Fred Kerley Withdraws from Grand Slam Track Miami After Arrest on Battery Charge

U.S. Olympic sprinter was scheduled to compete in both the 100m and 200m races this weekend

American sprint star Fred Kerley has been ruled out of this weekend’s Grand Slam Track meet in Miami following his arrest on a misdemeanor battery charge. The 29-year-old Olympian was taken into custody on Thursday after allegedly striking hurdler and former girlfriend Alaysha Johnson in the face at a hotel.

According to a police report, Johnson told officers she encountered Kerley unexpectedly during a visit to her conditioning coach. She alleged that after an aggressive confrontation, Kerley struck her once in the face with a closed fist, causing a nosebleed. The report also noted that her injuries were “consistent with her statements.” Kerley has been charged with one count of “battery-touch or strike.”

The two athletes had previously been in a relationship that ended in October 2024.

Kerley, a 100m bronze medalist at the Paris 2024 Olympics and silver medalist at Tokyo 2020, was slated to compete in the men’s 100m on Saturday and 200m on Sunday as part of the second stop of the Grand Slam Track 2025 circuit.

In a brief statement, Grand Slam Track confirmed the withdrawal:
“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. Fred will not compete this weekend. We have no further comment at this time.”

Kerley had taken part in the opening Grand Slam meet in Kingston last month. The new track series—founded by four-time Olympic champion Michael Johnson—aims to rival the Diamond League, bringing top-tier competition to a streamlined four-meet calendar across the U.S.

No replacement for Kerley’s spot in the race has been announced.