Claressa Shields Sets The Record Straight After Marijuana Suspension
Claressa Shields is back in the headlines, but this time, it’s not about her rumored romance with Papoose or her fiery online battles.
The undefeated boxing champ has reportedly been suspended by the Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission for allegedly testing positive for marijuana, according to ABC12.
Per the news outlet, after Shields’ fight against Danielle Perkins on February 2, an oral fluid sample was taken—and it tested positive for marijuana.
As many fans know, marijuana remains banned in competition by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) despite growing support for its legalization in sports.
Claressa Shields Responds to Suspension Reports
Shields wasted no time setting the record straight. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), she made it clear she’s not dodging the situation, writing:
“This isn’t breaking. And it’s not a thinking face, it was marijuana, no PEDs. It’s a temporary suspension til I go to trial for the very petite amount. I’ve never smoked weed.”
She doubled down in a separate post, defending her name and legacy:
“On my soul can’t nobody tarnish my image. It’s a temporary suspension til I go to trial for this very small amount of marijuana. I’m not SUSPENDED from boxing, I’m not stripped of my titles. I’m just waiting. Also, I can’t defend a lie! Do your research!”
This isn’t the first time an athlete has had to fight back against outdated policies on marijuana in sports. Many fans are rallying behind Shields, calling for change in anti-doping rules that continue to impact athletes despite the growing legalization of cannabis worldwide.
Is Shields’ Boxing Career at Risk?
Despite the suspension, Shields made one thing clear—she’s still the champ. The two-time Olympic gold medalist and the first boxer (male or female) to win undisputed titles in three different weight classes reminded everyone of her legacy, tweeting:
“And still the UNDISPUTED WOMENS HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION”
While Sky Sports reports that the Michigan Commission has opened an investigation into whether she should face further disciplinary action, Shields isn’t backing down.
Many sports fans and experts believe this will blow over quickly, considering the small amount of marijuana in question. The real conversation now is whether boxing and other major sports should reevaluate their stance on cannabis, especially given its widespread legalization and medical benefits.
The Bigger Picture: Marijuana and Sports Policies
Shields’ suspension has once again put sports organizations under the microscope for outdated policies on cannabis. The debate over marijuana use in professional sports isn’t new, and she’s just the latest high-profile athlete to be affected.
Remember Sha’Carri Richardson’s suspension from the Olympics over marijuana use? That decision sparked major backlash, with many calling out the hypocrisy of penalizing athletes for something that is now legal in many states and even medically prescribed.
Organizations like WADA and the Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission may soon have to reconsider how they handle marijuana use, especially in cases where there’s no evidence of performance enhancement.
What’s Next for Claressa Shields?
Despite this hiccup, Shields isn’t sweating it. She remains undefeated in the ring and focused on her future fights. Her temporary suspension won’t keep her away from boxing for long, and she’s standing firm on her innocence.
The real question now is: Will sports organizations finally adapt to the times? Fans and fellow athletes are watching closely, and Shields’ case could be another pivotal moment in the fight for marijuana policy reform in sports.
Do you think marijuana should still be banned in professional boxing? Drop a comment below and let’s talk about it!