Sidelined Fred Kerley fired off a scathing one-word tweet after the shock cancellation of the LA Grand Slam Track meet.
On Friday, June 12, when Olympic champion and Grand Slam Track (GST) league director Michael Johnson officially announced the cancellation of the Los Angeles Grand Slam meet , and, with it, the abrupt end to the league’s debut season.
The highly anticipated event, originally set for June 28–29 at UCLA’s Drake Stadium, would have marked LA’s marquee track and field event of the summer ahead of the city’s 2028 Olympic hosting duties. But citing economic challenges, Johnson confirmed the league’s early conclusion.
“This was not a decision we came to lightly, but it’s the right decision for the long-term sustainability of the league,” Johnson said in a video posted to the league’s official X (formerly Twitter) account.
Kerley Breaks Silence
Moments after the announcement, suspended sprinter Fred Kerley, still embroiled in controversy following his May 1 arrest in Dania Beach, Florida, fired off a cryptic one-word tweet:
“KARMA.”
The post instantly sent track and field social media into overdrive.
Fans quickly weighed in, with responses ranging from support to pointed criticism:
“Freddy relax,” one user replied.
“You have zero accountability. No product wants to be associated with bad publicity,” another fan fired back.
One particularly stinging comment read:
“Dear Fred, best wishes to your season. Tokyo Worlds will definitely be your last big show before LA Olympics. Chinese fans very dislike you and won’t welcome you when 2027 Worlds comes. Hope you use this as motivation.”
Kerley’s Tumultuous Season
Fred Kerley’s troubles began on May 1 when he was arrested following an alleged altercation with his girlfriend, Olympian Alaysha Johnson, at a Florida hotel. Though later released, the incident left Johnson with a visible injury. Fred Kerley maintained his innocence in a statement days later:
“While there was a physical altercation, my arrest was not due to any criminal act. Rather, it resulted from my decision to exercise my right to remain silent until legal counsel was present.”
On May 23, GST officials announced his suspension pending legal proceedings, ruling him out of the Philadelphia Grand Slam meet, a major blow to both the sprinter and his supporters hoping for a comeback.
Ironically, the suspension came just as Kerley seemed to be regaining elite form. After a disappointing showing at April’s Kingston GST meet, he rebounded with three consecutive sub-10-second 100m performances at the Franson Last Chance Meet in Malibu, including a stunning 9.87 in the semifinals.
Philadelphia was poised to be his redemption run.
As for the league itself, Johnson vowed GST would return stronger next year despite the 2025 setbacks.
“The global economic landscape has shifted dramatically over the past year, and this business decision has been made to ensure our long-term stability as the world’s premier track league.”
In the meantime, the track legend promised fans off-season digital content to maintain engagement until the league resumes in 2026.
