Former 49ers wideout Terrell Owens took to social media to vent his frustration after what transpired at the Paris Olympics. His agitation was directed toward the treatment of two of the world’s top athletes, Sha’Carri Richardson and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, at the biggest sporting event in the world.
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Apparently, Richardson and Fraser-Pryce, who are no strangers to international competitions, were not allowed into the warm-up area through their usual route. Instead, the authorities forced them to take a longer detour to get there.
And the disrespect wasn’t going to go unnoticed by the former NFL and indoor football talent. Owens didn’t mince words, calling the situation “SO DISRESPECTFUL on so many levels!!” He further added:
“These are Olympic athletes, these are 2 of the BEST athletes in the world and this is the treatment they received. UNACCEPTABLE!”
This is SO DISRESPECTFUL on so many levels!!
These are Olympic athletes, these are 2 of the BEST athletes in the world and this is the treatment they received.
UNACCEPTABLE! https://t.co/opVsShtWpQ— Terrell Owens (@terrellowens) August 4, 2024
The issue was a sudden change in access that left both athletes scrambling right before their crucial 100m semifinals, which didn’t make any sense. Meanwhile, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce even voiced her frustration in a video, asking,
“How you going to change the rule and then not say? So you’re asking all the athletes who, for whatever reason, don’t stay in the (athlete) village, they can’t come through the gate?”
Many fans shared Owens’ outrage, particularly after seeing a picture of Richardson sitting outside the stadium looking confused and concerned. In fact, just a day before, entry to the premises was smooth as ever, with no hint of trouble on the horizon.
But when the athletes arrived for their semi-finals, they had to face a new rule. This also caused unnecessary stress and confusion just before one of the most anticipated races of the event. And it’s hard not to empathize with Owens’ fiery reaction. But Sha’Carri had a better answer in mind.
Sha’Carri Richardson Remained Unfazed by the Mismanagement
For star players like Sha’Carri Richardson and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, every detail counts, especially in the high-stakes environment of the Olympics. With the 100m semi-finals labeled as one of the most thrilling showdowns at the Stade de France, Richardson and Fraser-Pryce deserved nothing less than an experience worthy of their stature.
However, Richardson managed to prove that she remained headstrong. In a race that had everyone glued to their screens, the track and field star snagged a silver medal in the women’s 100m final, crossing the finish line in just 10.87 seconds.
It was a showdown full of surprises, especially with some of the usual stars, like Elaine Thompson-Herah and Shericka Jackson, sitting this one out.
Sha’Carri Richardson is officially a first-time Olympic medalist. pic.twitter.com/gvUqPSRKra
— Coley Harvey (@ColeyHarvey) August 4, 2024
Sha’Carri, who was the big favorite going into this race with her blazing 10.71-second sprint at the U.S. Olympic Trials, didn’t leave empty-handed. Sure, she was aiming for gold, but snagging silver was a solid way to remind everyone that she’s not here for the drama—she’s here to win.
And let’s be honest, Sha’Carri’s journey has been a bit of a rollercoaster, with ups and downs that could fill a whole Netflix series. But here she is, back on the track and making her mark at the highest stage.
