FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — In a troubling turn of events, 29-year-old Olympic track star Fred Kerley has been charged with misdemeanor battery after allegedly assaulting fellow Olympian Alaysha Johnson. The incident reportedly occurred at a hotel near Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, where a confrontation escalated into violence, leaving Johnson with noticeable injuries.

Details of the Incident

According to an arrest report from the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, Kerley is accused of striking Johnson—a fellow hurdler who also represented the United States at the Olympics—during what was described as a heated argument. The altercation left Johnson with a bloody nose.

Background on Fred Kerley

Kerley gained fame for his athletic prowess, winning a silver medal in the 100-meter race at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and a bronze medal in the same event at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The relationship between Kerley and Johnson was noted to have been personal prior to the alleged incident.

Legal Representation and Responses

In response to the charges, Kerley’s attorney, Richard Cooper, expressed concerns about the allegations, suggesting that the athlete has become a target for jealousy among peers. Cooper stated, “We ask the public not to rush to judgment as the exculpatory facts eventually come to light.” He emphasized Kerley’s eagerness to resume his athletic career and move past these distractions as his legal team works to address the accusations.

Previous Legal Issues

This incident is not the first legal issue Kerley has faced. Earlier this year, he was arrested after allegedly striking a Miami Beach police officer, an encounter which led to police deploying a Taser. Additionally, court records indicate that he was charged in May with domestic battery against his wife, though his legal team maintains his innocence in all matters.