Sean “Diddy” Combs shows support for Sha’Carri Richardson amidst her Olympic disqualification
Rapping legend Sean “Diddy” Combs recently acknowledged that he stands with sprinter and former Olympic hopeful Sha’Carri Richardson 100%. And Diddy is not alone. His sentiments echo those of many who support Richardson, because Diddy also feels that the decision to disqualify Richardson is unfair. Many feel the decision to disqualify Richardson is mired in a deeper issue too.
On June 19th Sha’Carri showed up and showed out at the Olympic Trials
Richardson’s unbelievable speed in the 100-meter event not only qualified her for a spot in the Olympics. It made history, making her a heroine of sorts. Undoubtedly, Richardson impressed onlookers with her talent and unapologetic flair, but shortly afterwards, she received news of her suspension and possible disqualification. This decision was due to a positive cannabis test. On July 6th, she was officially released from the competition, an outcome that dismayed many of her fans. Since the news of her disqualification, many prominent people have stood up to object to the decision openly.
Diddy isn’t shy about voicing his opinion
On Thursday, Diddy took to the media. Unabashedly he argued on what he saw as the injustice of the situation. His argument rested on the premise that the United States has a history of using cannabis to criminalize African-Americans. Combs didn’t mince words.
“I’m tired of white people sitting in a room making up decisions that affect our hopes and dreams,” he said. “They will keep treating our athletes like slaves and entertainment until we shut down on these people!”
Sean “Diddy” Comb’s fury is blatant
Yet the Committee’s decision is based on international standards.
Olympic standards apply to competitors on a national stage. “The IOC Medical and Scientific Commission requires the local Organising Committee of an Olympic Games to collect urine and blood samples in compliance with the International Standard for Testing and Investigations,” reads a 2018 factsheet by the International Olympic Committee.
Unfortunately, Richardson did not qualify for a United States competition. Since the Olympics is an international event, there’s an argument that cannabis’s legality is not applicable internationally. Additionally, one must also consider other, competing athletes. The committee’s decision is out of fairness, according to a source: “It must “maintain fairness” for other athletes who qualified for a chance to compete in Tokyo.” And so one must consider whether the argument remains sound, given these considerations.
The current decision is a bit sticky
Some will agree with Combs. Others will side with the Olympic Committee. For others, we are just waiting to see the result. In the interim, let’s not forget the many other African-Americans still competing who are also deserving of our support.
Renae Richardson|
Check out Diddy’s other passion in our retrospective article.