World renowned sprinter Fred Kerley has been arrested in South Florida. The two-time Olympic medalist faces a battery charge, according to online record obtained by Local 10 News. He was taken in after allegedly striking his ex-girlfriend in the face.
TMZ reports that Alaysha Johnson, fellow Olympic athlete, contacted authorities around 7:48 p.m. and claimed Kerley hit her. They were in Dania Beach, FL, at the time.
His attorney, Richard L. Cooper, believes the charges will be dropped and also noted the other party in the situation also was arrested. “These allegations lack merit and the witnesses lack credibility. My client was attacked unprovoked and in the scuffle someone else was unintentionally harmed. It should be noted that the attacker also got arrested that day. We anticipate that Fred’s charges will be dismissed,” he said in a statement to Local 10.
PARIS, FRANCE – AUGUST 04: Bronze medalist Fred Kerley of Team United States reacts after competing in the Men’s 100m Final on day nine of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de France on August 04, 2024 in Paris, France.
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The report states the two ran into each other at a conditioning appointment for an upcoming track and field event. They got into an argument and Johnson alleges at one point, he said “something to the effect of ‘I’m going to f**k everyone up in here up.’”
Kerley then allegedly hit Johnson “one time in the facial area, causing her nose to bleed.” The report also states Johnson’s injuries “were consistent with her statements.”
Kerley was scheduled to compete in the inaugural Grand Slam Track in Miramar. The event is set to take place this weekend from Friday through Sunday, resulting in Kerley missing his appearance. The 29-year-old was the Olympic silver medalist over 100 m at the 2020 Olympics and bronze medalist at the 2024 Olympics in the same event.
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