US Olympic sprinter Fred Kerley disputes claims after arrest for allegedly hitting ex-girlfriend
Olympic sprinter Fred Kerley has pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor battery charge after allegedly punching his ex-girlfriend, fellow U.S. track athlete Alaysha Johnson, during an altercation at a Florida hotel earlier this month.
The incident has prompted widespread media scrutiny and led to his withdrawal from a major athletic competition.
Arrest and charges in
Dania Beach
Kerley, 30, was arrested on May 1 at a hotel in Dania Beach, Florida, after Johnson told police he struck her once in the face with a closed fist, causing her nose to bleed. According to the arrest report, Johnson said the Olympic medalist became aggressive and continued approaching her before the alleged assault.
Law enforcement noted that her injuries were "consistent with her statements."
Kerley was charged with one count of 'battery-touch or strike', a misdemeanor in the state of Florida. He appeared in court the following day, May 3, where he was granted a $1,000 bond and ordered not to contact Johnson or return to the hotel where the incident occurred.
According to TMZ Sports, Kerley's lawyer Richard Cooper filed notice in Broward County court that his client intends to fight the charge before a jury.
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Kerley's response and legal defense
Shortly after his arrest, Kerley issued a public statement, saying:
'While there was a physical altercation, my arrest was not due to any criminal act. Rather, it resulted from my decision to remain silent until my legal counsel was present. I chose not to speak to law enforcement without my attorney present, and for that reason alone, I was booked.'
His attorney, Cooper, has claimed that Kerley was the one attacked and is confident the case will be dismissed. In a statement provided to TMZ, he said:
'Police made a snap decision based on incomplete evidence and arrested an innocent man.
Unfortunately, Fred has been emotionally scarred by the brutality he experienced at the hands of the Miami Beach Police earlier this year. We are confident this case will be summarily dismissed shortly.'
He also urged patience from fans and sponsors, saying, 'We ask Fred's sponsors, fans, and the public for patience and respect as we let the State Attorney conduct his investigation.'
Impact on career and competition withdrawal
Kerley was in Florida preparing to compete at the Michael Johnson Grand Slam Track event in Miami, part of a new elite series. Following his arrest, he was removed from the meet. Organizers confirmed his withdrawal in a statement, saying:
'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. Fred will not compete this weekend.'
The Miami meet was to be the second event in Johnson's new Grand Slam Track series. Kerley was also suspended from competing in an upcoming event in Philadelphia, according to The Athletic.
Past incidents and domestic allegations
The arrest is the latest in a string of troubling legal issues surrounding Kerley.
In January 2025, the sprinter was tased and arrested by Miami Beach Police during a confrontation with officers while out with a new partner. He was charged with battery against a police officer, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct.
The same month, Kerley faced domestic violence by strangulation charges linked to a separate incident in May 2024 involving his estranged wife, Angelica Kerley.
In an exclusive interview with DailyMail.com, Angelica accused Kerley of choking and dragging her during an early-morning attack at their home just south of Miami.
She said the attack only stopped when their 9-year-old daughter bravely intervened.
'I thought I was going to die at his hands,' Angelica said. 'He dragged me off the bed and slammed me face-first onto the floor.'
She also claimed Kerley had a long history of infidelity and led a "double life." The pair had been together for over a decade and share three young children.
Kerley's attorney has denied her account, calling the claims "fabrications."
'The only ones being hurt by these imaginative claims are their three young children who will remember how their mother sacrificed their privacy and their father's reputation for fleeting fame,' Cooper said.
Athletic career and legacy at stake
Kerley is one of the most prominent American sprinters of the last decade. He won:
100m silver at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics
100m bronze at the Paris 2024 Olympics
Gold at the 2022 World Championships
He also holds a personal best of 9.76 seconds in the 100m, making him the sixth-fastest man in history.
He is a reigning 4x100m relay world champion and has also earned 4x400m gold in earlier years.
Kerley starred in both seasons of the Netflix docuseries Sprint, which followed the lives of elite track athletes around the world.
What's next
Kerley has not been convicted of any of the recent allegations, but the legal process now begins in earnest. If found guilty of the misdemeanor battery charge, he faces up to one year in jail.
For now, his future in track and field, and his shot at further Olympic glory, remains uncertain, with multiple investigations pending and public scrutiny intensifying.
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