Sha’Carri Richardson Speaks Out on Today Show After Being Suspended For Marijuana Use: ‘I Am Human’

Sha’Carri Richardson, who recently qualified for the Olympics in the 100m dash, became a social media sensation during the recent U.S. Olympic Trials thanks to her impressive performance. Unfortunately for the young American, she has been ruled ineligible from participating in her main event, the 100m dash, in Tokyo due to a positive drug test for marijuana.

In an interview on the Today show Friday, Richardson opened up to host Savannah Guthrie. When asked about the events leading up to the positive drug test, Richardson explained that during an interview her agent had scheduled for her, a reporter informed her about the passing of her biological mother.

“To hear that information come from a complete stranger, it was definitely triggering; it was nerve shocking because it’s just like, how are you to tell me that — and no offense against him at all. He was just doing his job. But definitely, that sent me in a state of mind, in a state of emotional panic,” she explained.

Richardson described the difficulty in trying to go out and put on a performance and a fake smile for the world, chasing her dream while being “blinded by emotions, blinded by sadness, blinded by just hurting.” She said that, “In some type of way, I was trying to hide my pain.”

Richardson, who ingested some form of marijuana after learning of her mother’s passing, has apologized and said, “I want to take responsibility for my actions. I know what I did. I know what I’m supposed to do. What I’m allowed not to do, and I still made that decision.”

Richardson, a member of the LSU track team, claimed she was not looking for empathy but explained that she was trying to cope with a news she had not been expecting and revealed, “that definitely was a very heavy topic on me.”

While she has been suspended from taking part in her main event, the 100m dash, Guthrie noted that there is still a possibility for Richardson to compete in the 100m team relay. When asked if she was holding out hope for that to materialize, Richardson explained that she was putting her time and energy into “dealing with what I need to deal with to heal myself.” She admitted, however, that she would be grateful to receive that “blessing.”

In a statement to her friends and family, as well as the “haters,” Richardson said she apologizes and understands she needs to do a better job at dealing with her emotions and urged those who make decisions such as the one she did to, “beware of the consequences.”

“I am human,” Richardson said, “I just happen to run a little faster.”

Watch above, via NBC.