Nike Sticks With Sha'Carri Richardson, Praises Her 'Honesty And Accountability' After Suspension

Sha'Carri Richardson's main sponsor is sticking with her after coming clean and accepting the consequences for testing positive for a banned substance.

Nike issued a statement shortly after the suspended American 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 birthmother'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. 

The runner 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 is selected for Team USA.

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

Athletes and celebs took to social media to show their support for the suspended sprinter. Gabrielle Union tweeted, “Weed is great for many a thing but running faster isn’t one of them. LET HER RUN!!! #ShacarriRichardson.” Reggie Bush posted about her on Instagram. "I’m with @carririchardson_ and I medicate daily 🌲🌲🌲🌲"

Fellow sprinter Michael Johnson wrote, “I don’t know why marijuana is banned. Maybe a good reason. Maybe not.”

Richardson was raised by her grandmother and learned about her birthmother’s death from a reporter during the Olympic trials in Oregon. She said the news was triggering and “definitely nerve-shocking.”

"It sent me into a state of emotional panic,” she said on the "Today Show," adding, “I didn’t know how to control my emotions or deal with my emotions during that time.”

She tweeted, "I am human," after the news of her positive test broke on July 1.