Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

Jen Psaki Slams Decision To Keep Sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson Off The Tokyo Olympic Team

Jen Psaki Slams Decision To Keep Sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson Off The Tokyo Olympic Team
Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images; Win McNamee/Getty Images

The suspension of United States runner Sha'Carri Richardson over her use of marijuana in the wake of her biological mother's death has been drawing lots of attention to the Tokyo Olympics and the legalization of marijuana.

The latest to voice their displeasure at the punishment leveled against the 21‐year-old track and field star is White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki during an interview on CNN.


The Press Secretary told CNN New Day anchor John Berman:

"It does stink...and I don't think there's a better definition of it."

You can see video footage here:

Richardson's punishment—a 30 day suspension—meant the 21-year-old athlete could not compete in the 100-meter sprint in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics. She had a shot of being named to the 4 x 100 relay event but her name does not appear on the official USA Track and Field release.

During the interview, CNN's Berman recalled President Joe Biden said on Saturday the "rules are the rules".

Berman then noted this situation was:

"...beyond the rules"

Press Secretary Psaki echoed the sentiment, saying Richardson was "inspiring" and:

"[This is] not the end...maybe it's just the beginning of her story..."

Psaki stated:

"We know the rules are where they are."
"We certainly have to respect the role of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency and the U.S. Olympic Committee in the decisions they make."

She added:

"But it is sad and we do wish her luck and look forward to seeing her running as the fastest woman in the world for years to come."

Psaki also fielded questions during her daily press briefing.

Supporters of Richardson—and the national legalization of marijuana—continued to express their views online.







Recreational marijuana is legal in 19 states, Washington DC and Guam. Medical use of marijuana is legal in 36 states, four out of five permanently inhabited United States territories and the District of Columbia.

While Sha'Carri Richardson will likely not run at the Olympics in Tokyo this year, we can hope this renewed conversation about the standards our athletes are held to—since the use of tobacco and alcohol are not monitored or pfohibited—has some positive impact.

More from News

Steve Guttenberg
KTLA

Actor Steve Guttenberg Praised For Helping Fire Crew Move Abandoned Cars Amid L.A. Wildfires

There has been all kinds of heroism that emerged in Los Angeles amid the horrifying wildfires ravaging the city. And one of those moments involves an icon of '80s cinema.

Actor Steve Guttenberg, best known for his roles in '80s classics like Police Academy, Short Circuit and Three Men And A Baby, is going viral after stepping in to help first responders.

Keep ReadingShow less
A man sitting outside with his head in his hands
man on thinking pose
Photo by Ben White on Unsplash

People Describe The Lowest Point In Their Lives

At some point in our lives, we've all said that a certain day was "the worst day of my life."

Chances are, we said that when we were fairly young, and many days followed that were, in fact, much worse.

Keep ReadingShow less
Meghan Markle; 'Guy,' Markle's beagle
Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty Images, @meghan/Instagram

Meghan Markle Pays Poignant Tribute To Her 'Sweet' Rescue Dog After His Death

Meghan Markle is grieving the loss of her beloved beagle named Guy, saying she's cried "too many tears to count" in a poignant tribute on her reactivated Instagram account.

The Duchess of Sussex said she adopted Guy from a dog rescue in Canada after he was given a "few days to live" while previously at a kill shelter in Kentucky.

Keep ReadingShow less
Screenshot of Glenn Close; J.D. Vance
The View/YouTube; Scott Olson/Getty Images

Glenn Close Says JD Vance Changed After 'Hillbilly Elegy' Film: 'I Don't Know What Happened'

Actor Glenn Close is an eight-time Academy Award nominee, recognized for her work in such classics as The World According to Garp, Fatal Attraction, and Dangerous Liaisons.

But her most recent nomination came in 2021 in the Best Supporting Actress category for her work as Mamaw—the grandmother of a young J.D. Vance—in Ron Howard's adaptation of Vance's bestseller Hillbilly Elegy, which positioned him as a notable voice on rural America and the political ascent of Donald Trump, now the president-elect.

Keep ReadingShow less
Hulk Hogan
WWE/Getty Images

MAGA Fan Hulk Hogan Greeted With Chorus Of Boos During WWE Debut On Netflix

Former pro wrestler and MAGA fan Hulk Hogan was widely mocked after being heavily booed by fans during WWE's Monday Night Raw when it premiered on Netflix while plugging his Real American Beer brand.

Hogan, rumored to be making an appearance, entered the arena roughly two and a half hours into the show to the sound of his iconic walk-out song, “Real American.” Accompanied by Jimmy Hart, Hogan was met with a chorus of boos from the crowd as he promoted his beer and praised the WWE for its partnership with Netflix.

Keep ReadingShow less