Sha’Carri Richardson and Michael Phelps Were Both Penalized For Marijuana Use

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.