Former 100m world champion Fred Kerley has pledged to clear his name after being arrested in what he described as a “misunderstanding” involving a physical altercation.
The 29-year-old two-time Olympic medallist was reportedly arrested in Miami last Thursday following an alleged incident in which he is accused of punching his former girlfriend and fellow athlete, Alaysha Johnson, in the face.
In a statement posted on his social media platforms, Kerley acknowledged that an altercation had taken place but denied that his arrest was the result of any criminal conduct.
“While there was a physical altercation, my arrest was not due to any criminal act,” he wrote.
“I chose not to speak to law enforcement without my attorney, and for that reason alone, I was booked.”
Kerley added that he is cooperating fully with the authorities and taking steps to ensure such situations are avoided in the future.
“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.”
According to reports from Reuters and CBS, the incident occurred at a hotel in Dania Beach, just prior to Kerley’s scheduled appearance at the Grand Slam Track meet in Miami, which began the following day.
Kerley has been charged with one count of “battery — touch or strike,” per the arrest report from the Broward County Sheriff’s Office.
He appeared in court on Friday and was released after posting a $1,000 bond.
