Alleged Unfair Pay of Sha’Carri Richardson Irks Track Fans Days After Her Withdrawal From Season Debut: “Don’t Blame Her”

“I will not be competing this weekend in Miramar, so I don’t even want to light their hopes up,” announced Shacarri a few days back. Her sudden withdrawal from the Miramar Invitational announcement turned the waves of excitement to disappointment. Nobody was ready for it. Fans’ anticipation for the 2024 season was huge, but Richardson’s withdrawal followed by Shericka Jackson left the community in shock.

Initially, the reason for the withdrawal wasn’t clear. However, a recent social media post has shed light on the situation alleging how disparities in Richardson’s pay forced her to take the step. And like true fans, X users also rushed to save their track girl in the comments section, expressing frustration and questioning why an athlete who dedicates months to training should settle for less.

Here’s why Shacarri Richarson pulled her name out

Posed on April 17 with the caption, “Appearance fee behind Sha’carri Richardson’s withdrawal from Miramar Invitational Track Meet”, the “Raes Take TV” Twitter update seemed to clear many fans’ doubts. At first glance, the reports seemed straightforward that Richardson had pulled out of the meet due to an increased appearance fee.

Appearance fees are typically negotiated between athletes and meet organizers and can vary widely depending on factors such as the athlete’s status, performance history, and the prestige of the event. Rumored to be in the six-figure range, Richardson’s supposed high fee reportedly rendered her participation in multiple meets financially impractical, compared to her previous season.

Following her triumph in Budapest last year, where she secured a global title, Richardson has amassed numerous endorsements and reportedly secured a lucrative $20 million contract with Nike, rivaling the deals of legendary sprinter Usain Bolt. Along similar lines, as a high-profile athlete, Richardson is no stranger to the weight of public expectations and external pressures.

Fans’ reactions say it all

Having said this, Richardson faced a barrage of commentary and speculation from fans and pundits, eager to dissect the reasons behind her decision. But this time, fans came out in a rally to protect her while others raised questions.

One fan passionately expressed,

Another fan questioned the meeting’s decision-making process,

Others expressed disbelief at the notion of devaluing athletes who work tirelessly to excel in their sport, saying,

One fan aptly summed it up, saying,

Lastly, there seemed to be recognition of the significant financial stakes involved, with one fan estimating,

Fans’ words highlight the substantial financial considerations at play and reinforce the importance of fair compensation for athletes at Richardson’s level. Although she will not compete in Miramar, Richardson is gearing up for her Diamond League season debut in Xiamen, China to participate in the women’s 200-meter event on April 20th.