Ricky Williams believes he'd be in Hall of Fame if not for marijuana-related bans

In the wake of American sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson losing her opportunity to run in the women's 100 meters at this summer's Tokyo Olympics because she tested positive for marijuana at the U.S. Olympic track and field trials, former NFL running back Ricky Williams has been on the minds of some, in part because Williams has spoken about Richardson's punishment in interviews. 

An outspoken advocate for leagues and other governing bodies allowing athletes to use marijuana, Williams served multiple suspensions for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy and retired with 10,009 rushing yards and one First-Team All-Pro nod. However, he recently told Greg Bishop of SI.com he believes he'd be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame had he been able to use cannabis without facing any bans. 

Williams continued that earning such an honor wouldn't have been worth giving up what he calls "my path" and said he would've "hated" himself for not completing his journey. 

Over the weekend, Williams told CNN's Boris Sanchez he'd like to see Richardson use this moment to speak up. "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," he explained at that time. "She has a perfect opportunity with so many people in the world having this conversation. So I think she should be proud of herself."