Fred Kerley won bronze in the 100m at the Paris Games, having claimed silver in the Tokyo Olympics, but the American has now been arrested for allegedly punching his ex-girlfriend
Two-time Olympic medallist Fred Kerley has been arrested for allegedly punching ex-girlfriend and fellow United States Olympics star Alaysha Johnson in the face. Kerley’s detention was announced by the Broward County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday.
He had been due to feature in the Grand Slam Track event in Miami this weekend, but the sprinter will now be absent. The alleged incident occurred on Thursday at a hotel where Johnson had an appointment with her conditioning coach when she told police she ran into Kerley.
According to the arrest report, Johnson claimed she was struck once by Kerley in the face with a closed fist, causing her nose to bleed. It is claimed Kerley had become aggressive.
The report stated Johnson’s injuries were “consistent with her statements” and that the 29-year-old Kerley was charged with one count of “battery-touch or strike”. Kerley and Johnson dated for about six months but broke up last October.
Kerley won a bronze medal in the 100metres at the 2024 Paris Games, having won silver in the same event in Tokyo. He had been due to compete in the 100m and 200m in Miami this weekend, but Grand Slam Track have confirmed that will now not happen.
“Fred Kerley was arrested last night. The matter is under active investigation, and all inquiries should be directed to the Broward County Sheriff’s Office,” Grand Slam Track said in a statement. “Fred will not compete this weekend. We have no further comment at this time.”
Kerley had competed in Grand Slam Track’s inaugural meet last month in Kingston, Jamaica. Touch or strike battery is a first-degree misdemeanor.
Kerley’s lawyer has insisted his client is focusing on getting back onto the track. Richard L. Cooper told USA Today he is “confident that the case lacks merit and will be dismissed in short order”.
Cooper added: “Fred looks forward to going back to what he does best: Winning races and inspiring millions of young athletes.”
Grand Slam Track was created by four-times Olympic gold medallist Michael Johnson. It is a direct challenge to the Diamond League and will hold four events across the year.
