In a defiant statement last year, Sha’Carri Richardson remarked, “I’ll never forget, I was forced to do this interview. One day, I’ll tell my TRUE story.” The interview in question was with TODAY, right after Richardson’s positive drug test after the US Olympic Trials in 2021. While she hasn’t shared her story yet, her fans already know it. Little did anyone know that this declaration would echo through her journey to becoming the reigning 100m World Champion. But the road to this triumph was far from easy.

Despite being hailed as the prime US contender for a gold medal in the 100m race at the Tokyo Olympics, Richardson’s dreams were dashed due to her one-month suspension after testing positive for THC, the main component of marijuana. “Don’t judge me because I am human,” she pleaded in an interview with NBC’s Today Show at the time. “I’m you. I just happen to run a little faster.” This poignant appeal underscored the humanity behind the headlines, reminding the world of Richardson’s vulnerability amidst her athletic prowess.

Cannabis strains aren’t exactly performance-enhancing drugs and were even brought forth by medical backing. “I’m surprised they’re even checking for cannabis anymore,” said Dr. Mark Wallace, a renowned UC San Diego anesthesiologist whose main area of expertise and specialization is therapeutic use and pain management.

If we observe cross-sporting overtures and moratoriums on drug use and testing, the NBA has a censure on their program of random testing, and the MLB bullpens are very lax when it comes to marijuana usage. The NFL, on the other hand, has set aside a complete committee to macroscopically study the therapeutic salient features of marijuana. Track, however, has certain amenable rules, and Richardson has been a party to that.

Recognizing her lapse in judgment, Sha’Carri Richardson bravely accepted the repercussions, commencing her month-long suspension from competition. She unequivocally owned up to her misstep, demonstrating a willingness to “take responsibility for her actions.” Even though her suspension caused her to miss the Tokyo Olympics, Richardson’s resolve was evident as she navigated the aftermath, attributing her marijuana use to the weight of personal tragedy.

During the trials, SCR revealed, “I’m still here,” she declared, her voice resolute amidst the scrutiny. “Last week, finding out my biological mother passed away, and I’m still choosing to pursue my dreams, still coming out here to make the family that I do have on this Earth proud.” With determination, Richardson shed light on the unseen battles she faced daily behind the facade of her stoic presence on the track. “The fact that nobody knows what I go through… my family is my everything. My everything until the day I’m done.”

In her transparency, Richardson revealed her strength and the depth of her commitment to her sport and her loved ones. Since then, three years have flown by, yet Sha’Carri Richardson made a remarkable 100m debut this season, sprinting to victory in the women’s 100m dash at the Prefontaine Classic with a stunning time of 10.83s at Hayward Field. With her eyes set on Paris 2024, she’s poised to continue her journey with determination and hope.

Speaking of athletes receiving significant backlash, former LSU basketball player Angel Reese’s image has also been tarnished by the media, primarily through negative coverage and unfair treatment. Despite her achievements and contributions to women’s basketball, much of the attention Reese has received has been marred by criticism. One incident that sparked significant backlash was her taunting gestures toward Caitlin Clark, where she imitated John Cena’s “you can’t see me” gesture – a gesture Clark had done earlier in the 2023 NCAA Tournament.

Although both players were engaged in competitive banter throughout the tournament, Reese faced disproportionate scrutiny and condemnation, receiving death threats and hateful messages as a result. After witnessing the struggles of Sha’Carri Richardson and Angel Reese, one X user tweeted, “They could never make me hate Sha’carri Richardson or Angel Reese.” Others joined in and rallied to show their support for them.

Fans will “never forgive the media” for Sha’Carri Richardson and Angel Reese’s unfair criticism

Amidst the fans rallying behind Sha’Carri Richardson and Angel Reese, several comments resonated deeply with their heartfelt support. One fan expressed their empathy, acknowledging Richardson while lamenting the unfair treatment she received regarding her marijuana use. “No one hates them. Richardson is a superstar and, unfortunately, fumbled with the w*ed sh*t that no one was educated properly on and started moving the goalpost on. Reese isn’t hated either, but being the so-called villain comes with some labels. Pro sports at its best, y’all.”

Another fan echoed similar sentiments, expressing their disappointment towards the media for attempting to tarnish these athletes’ reputations. “I’ll never forgive the media for tryna smear they name.” Their refusal to forgive the media for such actions conveyed a strong sense of loyalty and protective instinct towards SCR and Reese.

The overwhelming backlash SCR and Reese faced stirred irritation and incredulity among their supporters. One fan voiced their frustration at the unwarranted hate directed towards them: “The hate they get irritates me!!! Like damn, mf can’t be passionate,” emphasizing the dedication these athletes exhibit in their endeavors.

Despite the adversity, fans remained steadfast in their support, emphasizing the importance of Richardson’s journey towards self-improvement. They expressed confidence in her ability to overcome obstacles: “Nobody hates them. We just wanted Sha’carri to get her life in order, which she did. And that’s why she’s a favorite to win gold this summer. And if you’ve had your eyes open, you can already see how the Bayou Barbie is going to have an Allen Iverson-like effect on the WNBA.”

NBA legend Allen Iverson never shied away from expressing himself through his fashion sense. However, because of his unorthodox style, be it his braids, tattoos, or attire, he became subject to much controversy. But because he continued staying true to himself, Iverson challenged the NBA’s traditional dress code and reshaped the image of a basketball player. Now, it looks like Angel Reese, aka Bayou Barbie, is destined to do the same in the WNBA.

Another user pointed out how unfair it was that Sha’Carri Richardson faced such harsh criticism. “Bro, THEY completely tore Richardson down for simply smoking a blunt & grieving a family member’s DEATH… w*ed doesn’t enhance your performance at all, ESPECIALLY when running.” In these passionate responses, the fans’ unwavering support for Sha’Carri Richardson and Angel Reese shone through, encapsulating the complex emotions of empathy, frustration, and determination in the face of adversity.