Seth Rogen Rips Sha’Carri Richardson Suspension—”If Weed Made You Fast I’d Be FloJo”

There’s been a lot of outrage over track star Sha’Carri Richardson being suspended and missing out on her event at the Tokyo Olympics following a positive marijuana test. Now, actor and pot advocate Seth Rogen is sharing his opinion.

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The notion that weed is a problematic “drug” is rooted in racism. It’s insane that Team USA would disqualify one of this country’s most talented athletes over thinking that’s rooted in hatred. It’s something they should be ashamed of. Also if weed made you fast, I’d be FloJo. https://t.co/swDLNoVcV3

— Seth Rogen (@Sethrogen) July 2, 2021

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Rogen, who has been a long-time supporter of marijuana legalization, explained why he believes that Richardson is being unfairly penalized:

“The notion that weed is a problematic ‘drug’ is rooted in racism,” Rogen wrote in a Twitter post Friday. ‘It’s insane that Team USA would disqualify one of this country’s most talented athletes over thinking that’s rooted in hatred. It’s something they should be ashamed of.’”

Rogen also joked about his pot use, referring to U.S. track star Florence Joyner, who holds the female world record in both the 100- and 200- meter events: “Also if weed made you fast, I’d be FloJo.”

Richardson accepted a 30-day suspension, as marijuana is banned during competitions under World Anti-Doping Agency rules. She apologized, explaining that she’d used marijuana before the trials after learning of the death of her biological mother.

Other prominent political and entertainment voices joined Rogen’s in exclaiming the unfairness of the situation, such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Cory Booker, and Meghan Rapinoe.

The criminalization and banning of cannabis is an instrument of racist and colonial policy.

The IOC should reconsider its suspension of Ms. Richardson and any athletes penalized for cannabis use. This ruling along w/ IOC denial of swim caps for natural hair is deeply troubling. https://t.co/Ao1Yu8Ax9G

— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) July 2, 2021

Sha’Carri is an incredible athlete with a bright future. That her dreams are being crushed over a substance that should be legal across the country is devastating and wrong. Her heartfelt apology shows her strength even in the face of adversity.https://t.co/PeohD20Emo

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) July 2, 2021

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Richardson tweeted that she’s sorry she can’t be the U.S. Olympic Champ this year, “but I promise I’ll be your World Champ next year.”

I’m sorry, I can’t be y’all Olympic Champ this year but I promise I’ll be your World Champ next year .

— Sha’Carri Richardson (@itskerrii) July 4, 2021

Featured Image: Twitter

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*First Published: July 6, 2021, 10:46 am