Kerley Claims “Misunderstanding” Led to Arrest, Vows to Clear Name
Kerley Denies Criminal Act in Arrest
- Former 100m world champion Fred Kerley has publicly addressed his recent arrest
- The 29-year-old Olympic medallist was reportedly arrested following allegations of punching his former girlfriend
- CBS also reported that Kerley appeared in court on Friday
Former 100m world champion Fred Kerley has publicly addressed his recent arrest, attributing it to a “misunderstanding” and asserting his intention to clear his name.
The 29-year-old Olympic medallist was reportedly arrested following allegations of punching his former girlfriend, fellow athlete Alaysha Johnson.
In a statement shared on his social media platforms, Kerley acknowledged a “physical altercation” had occurred but denied that this was the basis for his arrest in Miami last Thursday.
“While there was a physical altercation, my arrest was not due to any criminal act,” Kerley stated. “I chose not to speak to law enforcement without my attorney, and for that reason alone, I was booked.”
He further emphasized his commitment to resolving the situation: “I remain fully committed to clearing my name and cooperating with appropriate parties to resolve it. I take full accountability for placing myself in a situation that allowed for this misunderstanding, and I am taking active steps to ensure nothing like this happens again.”
The incident leading to the arrest reportedly took place at a hotel in Dania Beach, prior to Kerley’s scheduled participation in the second Grand Slam Track meeting in Miami, which commenced on Friday.
According to reports from Reuters and CBS, the BBC’s US partner, the arrest report from the Broward County Sheriff’s Office indicates that Kerley was charged with one count of “battery-touch or strike.”
CBS also reported that Kerley appeared in court on Friday and was released after posting a $1,000 bond. His public statement suggests he will be actively working to refute the charges against him. For athletics fans in Accra and globally, this development introduces a significant off-track issue for the prominent sprinter.
