Joe Biden weighs in on Sha'Carri Richardson's one-month ban after positive marijuana test

President Joe Biden has joined a growing list of celebrities and public figures to weigh in on the one-month ban of U.S. sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson after she tested positive for marijuana.

"Rules are the rules. Everybody knows what the rules are going in," Biden told reporters Saturday in Michigan, according to USA Today's Chris Bumbaca. "Whether they should remain that way, whether that should remain the rule, is a different issue. Rules are rules.

"And I was really proud of the way she responded." 

Although Biden is not an advocate for the federal legalization of marijuana, he discussed decriminalization of the drug while campaigning for president. 

Richardson emerged as a star at the U.S. Olympic track and field trials in Oregon last month, winning the women's 100 meters. The 21-year-old admitted to ingesting marijuana while at the trials after learning of her biological mother's death, which she described as "triggering" and "nerve-shocking."

During an interview on the "Today" show, Richardson took accountability for her actions, saying, "I know what I did. I know what I'm supposed to do, (what) I'm allowed not to do and I still made that decision."

She added: "Don't judge me because I am human."

Marijuana is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency and the United States Anti-Doping Agency during in-competition period. Athletes who test positive for marijuana can face a maximum two-year suspension.

While Richardson is suspended for one month, she could still compete in the 4x100 meter relay depending on selection by USA Track and Field. 

The Texas native was hoping to become America's first gold medalist in the 100 meters since 1996. She won the NCAA title as a freshman at Louisiana State University in 2019 with a record of 10.75 seconds before lowering her personal best to 10.72 in April.