Two-time Olympic 100m medallist Fred Kerley has been arrested in Miami following allegations of punching his former girlfriend and fellow athlete, Olympic hurdler Alaysha Johnson, in the face.
The alleged altercation reportedly took place at a hotel in Dania Beach on Thursday, just before Kerley was scheduled to compete in the second Grand Slam Track meeting, which commenced on Friday.
Reuters reported that Kerley, 29, was charged with one count of “battery-touch or strike,” according to the arrest report from the Broward County Sheriff’s Office.
CBS stated that Kerley appeared in court on Friday, posting a $1,000 bond before being released from jail. His attorney, Richard Cooper, reportedly issued a statement expressing confidence that “this case will be summarily dismissed shortly.”
Grand Slam Track confirmed the arrest in a statement on Friday, saying, “Fred Kerley was arrested last night. The matter is under active investigation. Fred will not compete this weekend. We have no further comment at this time.”
Johnson, 28, who also competes in hurdles at the Olympic level, was also slated to participate in the Grand Slam Track event.
BBC Sport has reached out to the Broward County Sheriff’s Office and Kerley’s representative for comment.
Kerley, a former world champion, won bronze in the 100m at the Paris 2024 Olympics after securing silver at the Tokyo 2020 Games.
He was scheduled to compete in the 100m on Saturday and the 200m on Sunday in Miami, following his participation in the inaugural Grand Slam Track meet in Kingston, Jamaica, last month.
