The Overtime Project (July 5, 2021)
Sha'Carri and the Olympics!
Quick update on NIL
Before we start, I wanted to give a quick update on NCAA and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL). If you recall, I wrote about NIL here, here, and was able to podcast about it here. Since I first discussed the topic we went from 6 states starting NIL laws on July 1, to all 50 states passing something NIL-related in their own form or fashion by July 1. Although I am pleased that NIL laws have been passed, this still doesn’t excuse the nonchalant method of NCAA leadership to “kick the can” until something happens. I don’t think that is a strategy that one should take on for the long term.
There are still plenty of questions regarding NIL and as of now, it seems like each school and state pretty much can dictate the rules on how it works at their particular institution. Take this as a sample from the University of Kentucky that has now been added to their National Letter of Intent documents:
Time will tell how NIL will impact student-athletes but for now, buckle up and brace yourself for a wild ride!
Be sure to comment your thoughts on all things NIL below.
Sha’Carri Richardson v. the Olympics
The Olympics is arguable the greatest sporting event in the world. Every four years I can feel my patriotism oozing as I cheer for athletes I never knew in sports I don’t know the rules about. It’s just a month of nonstop sports fun.
One of the great things about the Olympics is the new stars that arise from the games. Most recently names like Usain Bolt, Gabby Douglas, and Michael Phelps have dominated the narrative. This year seems like a fresh start. None of those names are competing in the upcoming games. Instead we have a new generation of rising stars. One of those stars happens to be USA’s very own track and field athlete Sha’Carri Richardson.
If you can recall, Richardson took the world by storm in the most recent trials with her electrifying times in the 100 meter race. She also grabs the attention of viewers because she is authentically herself. She often dawns different color hair at each race, long painted finger nails, and is not afraid to tell people how good she is .
Most recently, Richardson grabbed the attention of viewers because she failed a drug test, siting marijuana usage, and effective ending her hopes to compete in the 100 meter race in the Olympics.
Richardson went on the TODAY show to explain more and accept responsibility for her actions. She explained that she knew that her actions were wrong and that she smoked because during a pre-race interview a reporter broke the news to her that her mother just passed away. Smoking was her way of coping through the situation to get focused for the upcoming race.
Athletes and celebrities took to social media to weigh in on the topic:
Even the President gave his response saying “the rule are the rules.”
I was curious to see what social media thought about the topic as well and asked the question “what do you think about (the Sha’Carri Richardson) situation?” Here are a few of the responses I received:
I also shared my own thoughts about the situations as well:
Here is what I mean in a more drawn-out and explained way.
Richardson knew the rule. She admitted to it in her interview. As a former athlete, drug tests are very common. You understand the consequences of taking substances that are against the rule of competing. Just because you disagree with the rule doesn’t give you the authority to intentionally break the rule.
I’ve seen the argument that where Richardson did the drug, it was legal in that state. This argument falls apart pretty easily for a few reasons. 1) It was the IOC that’s handed down the suspension. International Olympic Committee. There are constituents from all around the world that have weight in this decision. Our state’s law don’t play a factor in international decisions. To think otherwise is a form of narcissistic pride. 2) Plenty of jobs have rules against legal substances in the workplace. If someone shows up to a job drunk/high in a setting that strictly forbids it, they’re likely to be fired. Regardless of the legality around them.
Marijuana is not a performance-enhancing drug. It actually does the opposite and slows down the thinking process and reaction time. This does not change the fact that it was against the rules. Marijuana has been controversial for some time in that there has been a significant racial bias in drug related arrest towards a drug that is gaining more traction in public opinion for its legality. Multiple studies have cited benefits for marijuana in pain and physical health.
This leads to my final point- a temporary solution will give you temporary results. Richardson decided to cope by using drugs once she found out that her mother died. The high might have gotten her mind off of the situation for a time but, it doesn’t change the situation at all. Once the high died down she still has to face the reality of her mother no longer being with her. It’s difficult to tell a person how to grieve in their lowest moments but there needs to be a longer perspective than the cloud they’re currently in. There are plenty of other ways within the rules to cope with difficult situations. My faith guides me in this situation because it tells me that death is defeated by Christ. Everyone will have to die a physical death but not all a spiritual death. The difficult part of rationalizing death is the permanence of never seeing loved ones again. It’s our faith in Christ that makes it possible for us not only to see loved ones again but to celebrate in the presence of Jesus eternally. It’s with that, we can confidently say “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting (1 Corinthians 15:55)?”
My heart goes out to Sha’Carri Richardson. I’ve known far too well the pain of losing people close to me. I’m speaking from experience that coping with temporal means is not a worthwhile long-term decision. My prayer is that she can find peace outside of substances that will surpass all understanding. She has a great opportunity to influence millions of young girls. I hope she uses her platform to point others who are going through difficult times in another direction not directed at self-medicated problems. I am glad that she took accountability and responsibility. That is a key first step in this road to recovering a more positive image and accepting change.
I’m excited for the Olympics and all other stories to share from the games
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I could not have said it any better. Thank you for that explanation!