Ricky Williams is standing up for Sha’Carri Richardson.
The former NFL player, who has become an advocate for marijuana, showed his support for the 21-year-old U.S. sprinter who is prohibited from participating in the Tokyo Olympics following a positive marijuana test.
Richardson, who won the 100-meter dash at the U.S. Olympic trials, tested positive for THC following her victory. She said she turned to the drug after learning her mother died from a reporter.
Williams, who was suspended multiple times in his career for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy, told CNN that he hopes Richardson can join in him advocating against marijuana bans in sports.
“I went from just being an athlete to being an advocate, and I think this is an opportunity for a young athlete to realize sports is a platform,” he said. “She has a perfect opportunity with so many people in the world having this conversation. So I think she should be proud of herself.”
While the NFL still considers marijuana a banned substance, it has lessened its punishment for the drug in recent years. Players are now fined, rather than suspended, for positive tests.
Williams, who said he used the drug to relieve his social anxiety disorder, credits the NFL Players’ Association for its role in helping the NFL adjust its rules against marijuana.
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