Sprinter Fred Kerley was arrested for battery in South Florida on Thursday and will miss the upcoming Grand Slam Track event, authorities said.
This marks the second time the Olympic medalist has been arrested in the area in recent months. He was previously arrested in January in Miami Beach following a confrontation with police that led to felony and misdemeanor charges, including battery on a law enforcement officer.
The latest arrest in Broward County stems from an alleged incident at a hotel where he reportedly encountered his ex-girlfriend, hurdler Alaysha Johnson.
According to the arrest report, Johnson told investigators Kerley grew aggressive before striking her one time in the face with a closed fist. The report noted her injuries were consistent with her statements and the charge was listed as "battery-touch or strike."
Richard L. Cooper, an attorney for Kerley, stated the allegations "lack merit and the witnesses lack credibility." He added that Kerley was attacked unprovoked and someone else was unintentionally harmed in a scuffle.
Kerley had been scheduled to compete in the inaugural Grand Slam Track event in Miramar from Friday through Sunday. The event confirmed he would not participate.
Kerley, who won silver at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and bronze at the 2024 Games in Paris, was scheduled to race in the 100m and 200m this weekend.
He appeared in bond court Friday and was granted a $1,000 bond with an order to have no contact with the alleged victim.
Bodycam footage from his previous arrest in January was later released. Kerley has pleaded not guilty in that case and an unrelated domestic battery case from 2024 mentioned in one resource.
