US Sprinter Fred Kerley Arrested Amid Allegations of Assault
American Olympic sprinter Fred Kerley has been arrested and charged with touch or strike battery, a first-degree misdemeanour, following an alleged incident involving his ex-girlfriend in the South Florida area. According to reports from the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, Kerley, 29, allegedly punched his ex-girlfriend in the face with a closed fist, causing her nose to bleed, at a hotel on Thursday.
The incident occurred when the woman, a track and field athlete who is listed as a competitor in the upcoming Grand Slam Track event in Miami, allegedly ran into Kerley while heading to an appointment with her conditioning coach. The arrest report states that Kerley became aggressive and continued to approach the woman, leading to the alleged assault. The injuries sustained by the woman were "consistent with her statements," according to the report.
In a statement released on Friday, Grand Slam Track confirmed that Kerley will not compete in the Miami event this weekend, citing the ongoing investigation into the matter. "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," the statement read. "Fred will not compete this weekend. We have no further comment at this time." This is the second incident involving Kerley in the South Florida area this year, following an arrest in January after a confrontation with police.
According to ESPN, Kerley had been scheduled to compete in the 100 meters on Saturday and 200 meters on Sunday at the Grand Slam Track event. The circuit, created by four-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Johnson, will host four meets in 2025 and is seen as a direct challenge to the Diamond League, which hosts 15 meets each year around the world. Kerley has had a successful career in track and field, winning the silver medal in the 100 meters at the Tokyo Olympics and the bronze in the same event at the Paris Olympics in August. He has also earned six medals at the world championships.
The news of Kerley’s arrest comes as a shock to the athletics community, with many of his fans and supporters taking to social media to express their disappointment. As the investigation into the matter continues, Kerley’s future in the sport remains uncertain. Grand Slam Track has confirmed that it will not comment further on the matter, citing the ongoing investigation.
As reported by ESPN, Kerley’s ex-girlfriend is a track and field athlete who is listed as a competitor in the Miami event. The incident highlights the need for athletes to be aware of their personal and professional responsibilities, both on and off the track. The Broward County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the matter, and Kerley is due to appear in court to face the charges.
Kerley’s arrest and subsequent withdrawal from the Grand Slam Track event in Miami have raised questions about his future participation in the sport. With a busy schedule of competitions ahead, including the upcoming world championships, Kerley will need to navigate this difficult situation carefully to avoid further repercussions. As the story continues to unfold, ESPN will provide updates and analysis on the developments.
The incident serves as a reminder of the pressures and challenges faced by athletes, both on and off the track. As the athletics community continues to grapple with the implications of Kerley’s arrest, one thing is clear: the road ahead will be long and difficult for the American sprinter.
Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
