US Olympic Sprinter Fred Kerley Arrested on Misdemeanor Battery Charge in Altercation with Ex‑Girlfriend Alaysha Johnson
Dania Beach, FL — U.S. Olympic sprinter Fred Kerley, 29, was arrested on Thursday and charged with misdemeanor battery after allegedly striking his ex-girlfriend, fellow Olympian hurdl er Alaysha Johnson. The incident reportedly occurred in the Le Méridien Dania Beach hotel, where both athletes were staying ahead of the Grand Slam Track meet in Miami .
Johnson, 28, told Broward County deputies she encountered Kerley en route to a conditioning appointment. Tensions escalated during a heated exchange, and she alleges Kerley “struck her in the face with a closed fist,” causing a bloody nose . Deputies documented her injury, noting it was “consistent with her statements” .
Kerley was booked on a “battery – touch or strike” misdemeanor. Bond was set at $1,000, which he posted, and he was released Friday with a no-contact order against Johnson .
Immediate Fallout
Grand Slam Track issued a statement confirming Kerley’s withdrawal from the upcoming Miami meet, stating he “will not compete this weekend,” as the situation “is under active investigation” . This marks the sprinter’s second arrest in South Florida so far in 2025. In January, he faced charges in Miami Beach after a confrontation with police that resulted in him being tased; he pleaded not guilty to battery on an officer and resisting arrest .
Kerley’s Response
In a public statement, Kerley described the incident as a “misunderstanding.” While acknowledging a physical altercation, he insisted his arrest stemmed from invoking his right to counsel, not criminal conduct . He emphasized that he “was booked for exercising [his] right to remain silent until an attorney was present” and vowed to clear his name .
Attorney Richard Cooper echoed this defense, accusing “fierce and sometimes jealous competitors” of targeting Kerley. Cooper asserted that Johnson was “instigating the fight,” and any contact was “inadvertent,” confident the charges will be dismissed .
Legal and Career Implications
Kerley has pleaded not guilty to the misdemeanor charge . If convicted, the offense could carry up to a year in jail and/or fines, though many such cases are resolved with probation or community service .
The Miami arrest adds to prior legal troubles, including a May 2024 domestic battery charge involving his estranged wife . Despite these issues, Kerley has continued to compete in international meets, though he remains suspended from Grand Slam Track until his legal matters are settled . The series suspension cost him lucrative prize money, further complicating his athletic and financial outlook .
What’s Next?
1. Court proceedings in Broward County will determine the case’s outcome.
2. Grand Slam Track’s suspension will remain until legal resolution.
3. Sponsor and public sentiment will be influenced by evolving details.
4. A conviction could impact future eligibility, endorsements, and backlash
With a decorated track record—including silver in Tokyo 2020 and bronze in Paris 2024—Kerley’s career now hangs in the balance as he addresses a growing web of legal and personal challenges .
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