Dominique Dawes weighs in on Sha’Carri Richardson suspension: 'They need to follow the rule'

On Cuomo Prime Time Wednesday, three time Olympic gold medalist Dominique Dawes agreed with the suspension of sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson, who was suspended following a positive test for marijuana. While many have panned the suspension due to the fact that marijuana is not a performance enhancing drug, Dawes believes that rules are rules.

“I do think, you know, because it is a current rule, they need to follow the rule, and unfortunately that does mean that Richardson will not be competing in these Olympic games.”

Dawes referenced her own experience with Olympic rule-breakers in explaining why she’s a stickler for the rules.

“My last olympic games, there were rules out with regards to the age that an athlete had to be,” Dawes said. “However, Chinese gymnasts were underage, and that truly affected myself and my teammates from getting on the podium and getting a bronze medal during the 2000 Olympic games. So I’m a rule-follower.”

Video transcript

DOMINIQUE DAWES: Well, Chris, like you said, rules are rules. And you're speaking to an Olympic gymnast, and we are very particular, and we are rule followers. I do think, because it is a current rule, they need to follow the rule. And unfortunately, that does mean that Richardson will not be competing in these Olympic Games.

KYLIE MAR: Three-time Olympic gold medalist Dominique Dawes appeared on "Cuomo Prime Time" Wednesday, where she spoke about American sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson, who was suspended from the Summer Olympics after testing positive for marijuana. While Richardson's suspension garnered widespread backlash, Dawes agreed with the Olympic committee's ruling and alluded to her own Olympic experience in explaining why she is a stickler for the rules.

DOMINIQUE DAWES: My last Olympic Games, there were rules out there with regards to the age that an athlete had to be. However Chinese, gymnasts were underage, and that truly affected myself and my teammates from getting on the podium and getting a bronze medal during the 2000 Olympic Games. So I'm a rule follower.

KYLIE MAR: Richardson admitted to using marijuana following the positive test and said of the suspension, "I understand the situation that's going on, so I'm accepting of it." Dawes said she respects how Richardson is handling her current circumstances.

DOMINIQUE DAWES: I really do respect Sha'Carri Richardson for coming out and admitting her fault and really saying that she's human, that she made a mistake.