Sha’Carri Richardson, the reigning 100m world champion and Olympic 4x100m relay gold medalist, is scheduled to appear in SeaTac Municipal Court on Tuesday following an altercation with fellow sprinter Christian Coleman at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on July 27. Prosecutors in Seattle charged her with misdemeanor fourth-degree assault domestic violence, after video surfaced showing Richardson shoving Coleman multiple times and throwing headphones at him. Contrary to some media reports claiming the case was dismissed, it remains active.
According to a court spokesperson, Richardson pleaded not guilty at her July 28 arraignment. No trial date has been set, as negotiations between her legal team, led by attorney Michele Shaw, and the city prosecutor continue. The spokesperson noted that Richardson could choose not to appear in court Tuesday, with her lawyers representing her instead, but that decision has not yet been made.
Coleman publicly supported Richardson at the U.S. championships on August 3, saying he did not believe she should have been arrested and describing her as “a human being and a great person” dealing with challenges. On August 12, Richardson issued a public apology on Instagram, expressing remorse and gratitude toward Coleman. She wrote that his presence gave her “a greater understanding of unconditional love,” but acknowledged her past trauma had blinded her from fully giving and receiving it. “My apology should be just as loud as my actions — honestly louder,” she added, affirming her love and regret.
Richardson’s next major competition is the World Championships in Tokyo, where the women’s 100m heats begin September 13. Her attorney, Michele Shaw, did not respond to requests for comment.
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