Fred Kerley, the two-time Olympic 100m medalist, pleaded innocent following his arrest in Miami on battery charges involving his ex-girlfriend, fellow Olympian Alaysha Johnson. Kerley denies striking Johnson but acknowledges an altercation occurred, choosing to remain silent during police questioning.
Police arrested Kerley on May 1, 2025, after Johnson accused him of hitting her in the face at a hotel near the Grand Slam Track meet. The incident forced Kerley to withdraw from the Miami event, where he planned to compete in the 100m and 200m races. Johnson sustained a bleeding nose consistent with her statement. Kerley posted a $1,000 bond and awaited further legal proceedings.
Fred’s attorney, Richard Cooper, called the arrest a “mistake” and vowed to fight the charges vigorously. Cooper said, “We are confident this case will be dismissed shortly,” and asked for patience as the investigation continues.
Kerley faced a prior arrest in South Florida earlier this year related to a confrontation with police in Miami Beach. Despite these legal challenges, Kerley remains determined to clear his name and return to competition.
Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track league confirmed Kerley’s arrest and withdrawal from the Miami meet but declined further comment, directing inquiries to law enforcement.
Who Is Alaysha Johnson, and Why Does She Keep Clashing with Fred Kerley?
Alaysha Johnson is an elite American hurdler and Olympian from Houston, Texas, known for her speed and determination on the track. She starred at the University of Oregon and Texas Tech, earning multiple All-American honours and setting school records in the 100m hurdles.
Johnson and Fred Kerley, a two-time Olympic sprint medalist, dated for six months before breaking up in October 2024. Their constant fights stem from a turbulent breakup and unresolved issues, which erupted again in Miami when a heated argument at a hotel led to Kerley’s arrest for allegedly striking Johnson and causing her nose to bleed.
However, fans and commentators expressed mixed reactions on social media, awaiting the legal outcome and Kerley’s future in the sport. Meanwhile, as Fred navigates this difficult period, the track world watches to see if the Olympic medalist can overcome setbacks and reclaim his place among elite sprinters.
