Sha’Carri Richardson and Michael Phelps Were Both Penalized For Marijuana Use
The Claim
Both Michael Phelps and Sha’Carri Richardson tested positive for marijuana, but Phelps was not held accountable.
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Emerging story
On July 1st, reports began appearing that American track star Sha’Carri Richardson was suspended for 30 days following a positive drug test for trace amounts of marijuana. She had been set to compete in the Tokyo Olympics later this month. Social media users immediately thought of the incident in which Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps was photographed smoking marijuana in 2009, but he was not disqualified. They began comparing the two experiences, with discussions of a double standard due to Phelps allegedly avoiding punishment.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar’s analysis found that Michael Phelps did suffer consequences for his drug use, but due to timing and technicalities, his punishment differed from that of Richardson’s. Richardson has been suspended for 30 days, which is unfortunately close to the 2021 Olympic games in Japan. Phelps was suspended for 90 days—three times longer than Richardson. Some social media users point out that Phelps also received a DUI in 2014 and was allowed to compete, but that is also only due to timing: Phelps received a 6 month suspension for his DUI.
Phelps was photographed allegedly smoking marijuana, but never tested positive. He did take personal responsibility and apologized for his actions. Richardson apologized for her positive test as well, but the positive test ruined her further chances of participating in the games. Richardson’s timing, so close to the Olympics and following her qualification, also assured that the results from her winning competition were forfeited. Phelps’s incident and subsequent suspension fell in a time when he was not qualifying for the Olympics.
These were not the only repercussions for Phelps. When he was originally suspended for marijuana use, his sponsor, Kellogg’s Co. announced it would not renew his advertising contract.
