The International Olympic Committee Sets the Gold Standard for Scandal

The International Olympic Committee Sets the Gold Standard for Scandal

By Special Correspondent RYAN SAKACS — Last week, the Nevada State Athletic Commission joined the UFC and other major American sports by eliminating penalties for professional boxers and MMA fighters who test positive for the presence of THC (the psychoactive compound in cannabis).

The announcement followed the International Olympic Committee’s controversial suspension of U.S. track and field phenom Sha’Carri Richardson that will prevent “The World’s Fastest Woman” from competing in this month’s Tokyo Games.

Richardson is the latest casualty on a long list of athletes burned by archaic disciplinary policies targeting recreational use of marijuana. While strict drug testing protocols are necessary to uphold legitimacy and fairness in sport, Richardson’s case is a far cry from PED cheats like Ben Johnson, the Canadian sprinter who infamously captured gold in Seoul, South Korea in 1988.

Although she expressed remorse and accountability for the violation – Richardson admitted to using marijuana to cope with the recent death of her mother – the dubious decision sparked resentment and an outpouring of support from athletes, social justice advocates, and prominent political figures, including President Biden and Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas.

Former UFC Light Heavyweight champion and Hall-of-Famer Rashad Evans also denounced the IOC’s harsh treatment of the sprinter’s transgression. Evans, who recently threw his hat in the ring as a potential opponent for YouTube celebrity/boxer Logan Paul, has advocated for the therapeutic benefits of cannabis since his retirement from MMA in 2018.

“This is so unfortunate for Richardson, and I’m gutted for her. The IOC has implemented such progressive polices that allow transgender athletes in strength competitions, but it hasn’t made the necessary adjustments on this issue. The medicinal value of marijuana is now recognized worldwide, and many states have fully legalized cannabis use for adults. The plant has been proven to aid in recovery and treat pain, but it is not a performance enhancer – at least not to the extent that it would increase speed or endurance for a runner.  I hope this unfortunate situation provokes changes to the outdated rules.”

But convincing the governing body responsible for amateur boxing’s most shameful moments to bend to evolving American attitudes is wishful thinking. The IOC recognizes 206 countries and consists of members representing influential nations which still enforce some of the world’s toughest marijuana laws (including China and Russia). If common sense and integrity prevailed in the Olympic Games then Roy Jones, Jr. (pictured in his gold medal match with South Korea’s Park Si-hun) and Evander Holyfield would have stood atop the gold medal pedestal like countrymen Ali, Foreman, Leonard, and so many other deserving champions.

American athletes are increasingly using cannabis with impunity, and unreasonable policies that alienate superstars like Sha’Carri Richardson won’t help to restore falling interest and viewership of the Olympics. Sooner rather than later, the IOC will have to face its budding marijuana problem.

Editor’s Note: The 2020/21 Tokyo Olympics commence Saturday, July 23, and conclude on Sunday, Aug. 8. Boxing matches are scheduled on each day of the event.

RYAN SAKACS is Legal Counsel to Arcview Management Consulting, a leading cannabis professional service firm. Sakacs previously served as Counsel to the New York State Athletic Commission, Special Counsel with Kasowitz Benson Torres LLP, and was the founding Chief of New York City’s Prescription Drug Investigation Unit.

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