Olympic sprinter Fred Kerley was arrested for allegedly assaulting ex-girlfriend Alaysha Johnson, causing his withdrawal from Miami race.
Twice Olympic 100 metres medallist Fred Kerley will miss his scheduled race at the Grand Slam Track event in Miami today, following his arrest for allegedly assaulting fellow athlete and ex-girlfriend Alaysha Johnson.
Kerley, 29, who was due to compete in the men’s 100 metres on Saturday and the 200 metres on Sunday, was taken into custody on Thursday night after an altercation at a Miami hotel.
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According to a police arrest report, the American sprinter is accused of punching Johnson in the face, resulting in a bloody nose and visible injuries.
“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,” Grand Slam Track said in a statement.
“Fred will not compete this weekend. We have no further comment at this time.”
Here are three key reasons why the arrest occurred and why Kerley has been sidelined from one of the season’s biggest track events.
3. Alleged Assault at Miami Hotel
The arrest stems from an incident that reportedly occurred at a Miami hotel on Thursday. Johnson, a hurdler and listed competitor at this weekend’s Grand Slam meet, told police she had an appointment with her conditioning coach when she unexpectedly encountered Kerley.
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According to the arrest report, Johnson said Kerley became “aggressive” and approached her repeatedly. She alleged that he then struck her in the face with a closed fist, causing her nose to bleed.
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The police report noted that Johnson’s injuries were “consistent with her statements,” and Kerley was subsequently charged with one count of “battery-touch or strike.”
2. History of Relationship Conflict
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Kerley and Johnson had reportedly dated for about six months before breaking up in October 2024.
Though no prior public incidents were recorded between the two, the arrest report confirms their previous relationship and suggests the confrontation may have been emotionally charged.
Investigators have not confirmed whether the incident was premeditated or spontaneous, but the former couple’s history is likely to be a component of the ongoing investigation.
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1. Violation of Athlete Conduct Expectations
Kerley’s arrest comes at a crucial moment for Grand Slam Track, a newly formed circuit led by legendary sprinter Michael Johnson.
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Created as a direct competitor to the long-established Diamond League, the Grand Slam series is positioning itself as a modern, athlete-forward alternative.
Kerley competed in the inaugural meet last month in Kingston, Jamaica, and was listed as a top contender in Miami.
His removal from the event just hours before the men's 100m race not only disrupts the lineup—where he was set to race against top sprinters like Andre De Grasse, Zharnel Hughes, and Oblique Seville—but also casts a shadow on the brand's early efforts.