AP Photo/Charlie RiedelChris Paul, Phoenix Suns' star, spoke out about Sha'Carri Richardson's suspension of one month for failing to pass a drug test for marijuana.Paul spoke to reporters Saturday and said that Richardson should not be able to compete in Richardson's specialty event at the Olympics."You cannot tell someone how to cope with trauma or how they should deal with their mental health, no matter what it may be." Paul stated that marijuana is not a performance-enhancing drug. "I will worry about the Finals when they happen, but the Olympics are one of those things that only comes around once in four years, so I feel like she should have the chance."The United States Anti-Doping Agency announced Friday Richardson had accepted a one-month suspension following a positive drug test on a sample taken during the U.S. Olympic Trials in June 19.Richardson won the 100m women's race at the event to qualify her for the Olympic team. She will not be able to compete in the Tokyo Games in this event because of her suspension.Richardson, in an interview with Savannah Guthrie of NBC's Today Show, apologized for using marijuana as a coping mechanism after the death last month of her biological mother.Richardson stated, "I sincerely apologise for not being able to control my emotions or deal effectively with them during that time."Paul stated Saturday that Richardson has not spoken to him, but that he would love the chance to.Richardson's suspension ends July 27 and Richardson could compete in the Olympics as part the U.S. 4x100 meter relay team. After losing her automatic qualification spot due to a failed drug test, Richardson would need to be selected by USA Track and Field to join the squad.
