Ricky Williams defends Sha'Carri Richardson over marijuana-related ban

American sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson should be running in the women's 100 meters at the Tokyo Olympics this summer but instead will be serving a ban because she tested positive for marijuana at the U.S. Olympic track and field trials. 

Former NFL running back Ricky Williams served multiple suspensions for violating that league's substance-abuse policy and is an outspoken advocate for organizations allowing athletes to use marijuana, which he has said helped him deal with his social anxiety disorder. 

According to Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk, Williams addressed Richardson's punishment while speaking with CNN's Boris Sanchez. 

"I went from just being an athlete to being an advocate, and I think this is an opportunity for a young athlete to realize sports is a platform," Williams explained. "She has a perfect opportunity with so many people in the world having this conversation. So I think she should be proud of herself." 

Barring a surprising development, marijuana use will eventually be legal in all 50 states, and unions such as the NFL Players Association will push to eradicate all punishments related to cannabis. It's a matter of when, not if, athletes such as Richardson will no longer be tested for the drug.