Anthony Mackie Defends Naomi Osaka & Sha’Carri Richardson in ESPY’s Speech: WATCH
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Captain America himself, Anthony Mackie, called out the Olympic Committee for their mishandling of punishment for Naomi Osaka & Sha’Carri Richardson at the ESPY Awards Monday.
People: The 2021 ESPY Awards kicked off with a bang on Saturday, thanks to host Anthony Mackie. Mackie, 42, started the show by making jokes about the year in sports, at one point landing a punchline about the recent sanction placed on sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson, who was suspended from the U.S. Olympic team after a positive marijuana test.
Mackie added further comments about Richardson being barred from the Olympic team, saying, “USA Track & Field: How you mess it up, dog? How do you justify banning Sha’Carri Richardson for smoking weed? Weed is a de-hancing drug — it doesn’t make you do anything but want to watch another episode of Bob’s Burgers. You never saw Snoop Dogg run anywhere!”
“I don’t know how you justify not letting her run,” he continued, adding, “And I don’t know how you punish Naomi Osaka,” referencing the tennis standout, 23, being fined for skipping media obligations at the French Open in May, citing mental health concerns.
“For prioritizing her mental health,” said Mackie. “That’s crazy. I’m no tennis exec, I don’t know, but if my sport had one of the most popular and marketable athletes on the planet, you know what I would do? I would probably make sure she felt comfortable and respected. But hey, what do I know, right? I’m just Captain America.”
