Allyson Felix, the most decorated Olympian in Track and Field sat down with Stephen A. Smith, who was guest-hosting Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Monday, to discuss her experience in the Tokyo Olympics and her sneaker brand Saysh. Between talking about her experiences and business ventures, she also showed some love to Sha’Carri Richardson who was disqualified from the Tokyo Olympics after testing positive for marijuana.
When asked what she thought about Sha’Carri Richardson Felix responded, “She’s obviously been through so much,” Felix said (7:08 above) per Yahoo Sports. “I hope that she’s just supported. I hope that people rally around her. Obviously she has a great personality, and she’s brought a lot of attention to the sport. I think she’ll be in the sport for a very long time.”
The seven-time Olympic champion added: “I think just more than anything, for all athletes, there’s so much that goes into it — we just, you know, give her the support that she needs.”
However, Richardson went on Instagram Wednesday and was not having Felix’s comments.
“Encouraging words on tv shows are just as real as well nothing at all,” Richardson wrote on her Instagram story.
Richardson later posted a quote, “Be a good person but don’t waste your time doing it.”
context: Felix was on Kimmel with Stephen A, asked about Sha’Carri and Felix says she has great personality, is bringing attention to the sport, and hopes she has support she needs
— shalise manza young (@shalisemyoung) August 25, 2021
on Sha’Carri’s IG stories right now: pic.twitter.com/wqLSBm8eRq
Now, since Richardson did not specifically mention Felix by name it is not definite that she was throwing shade to the well-decorated athlete. However, Twitter quickly gathered up Richardson for talking negatively about the legendary track star.
seeeeeee I’ve supported and defended Sha’Carri this whole time through everything but what she NOT FINNA DO is play with Allyson Felix top.
— Bria the Viral RRT 🐍 (@briacheeks) August 25, 2021
Black Twitter Had Sha'carri’s Back & Now She Wanna Disrespect THEE Allyson Felix? Who May Have Not Personally Called You But At Least Showed Support For You On National Television?? Tuh pic.twitter.com/DGkEkhghWE
— KHipHopHarlot™ (@KHipHopWorld2) August 25, 2021
I actually saw the interview. @allysonfelix didn't bring up Sha'Carri. Stephen A. Smith ASKED Allyson about her, & she handled it with grace. Allyson has to focus on a career AND a kid, so her "not calling" Sha'Carri is not a shock. I'm a fan, but Sha'Carri's wrong on this.
— Princella D. Smith (@princellasmith) August 25, 2021
i love sha'carri richardson's self-confidence, and it's easy to see what she could do for track & field if she starts to have global success
— shalise manza young (@shalisemyoung) August 25, 2021
but if Allyson Felix is asked about you, responds with grace and support and you go on IG and seemingly shade her, you're way out of pocket