Nike stands by Sha’Carri Richardson, praises her ‘honesty and accountability’ after suspension

Sha’Carri Richardson‘s main sponsor Nike is standing by her after the athlete apologized and accepted the consequences for testing positive for a banned substance.

Nike issued a statement shortly after the suspended 21-year-old sprinter appeared on the “TODAY Show” on Friday, July 2.

Richardson issued a heartfelt apology and said she used marijuana to cope with the news of her biological mother’s death before last month’s Olympic trials in Oregon.

“I would like to say to my fans and my family and my sponsorship, to the haters, too, I apologize,” Sha’Carri said during her interview with Savannah Guthrie.

Richardson accepted her suspension and will not be able to compete in the solo 100-meter race, despite winning the trials. However, she may be able to compete in the team 4x100m relays if selected for Team USA.

Richardson said she’ll be “grateful” if allowed to compete in the relay, but for now she’s focusing on “doing what I need to do to heal myself.”

Nike’s statement:
“We appreciate Sha’Carri’s honesty and accountability and will continue to support her through this time,” Nike told ESPN reporter Aaron Dodson.

The USA Track and Field also released a statement:
“Sha’Carri Richardson’s situation is incredibly unfortunate and devastating for everyone involved,” USA Track and Field wrote in a statement Friday. “Athlete health and well-being continue to be one of USATF’s most critical priorities and we will work with Sha’Carri to ensure she has ample resources to overcome any mental health challenges now and in the future.”

Richardson became a star to watch after her performance at the Olympic trials, captivating fans with her eye-catching orange hair, long fingernails, nose rings and tattoos.

She also went viral in a heartwarming moment when she sprinted up the stands to embrace her grandmother in celebration of her performance.