Two-time Olympic medalist Fred Kerley is once again making headlines for all the wrong reasons — this time for allegedly striking his ex-girlfriend in the face, an incident that has landed him behind bars and barred him from upcoming athletic events.
TMZ Sports has confirmed that the 29-year-old track star was arrested on Thursday evening in Dania Beach, Florida, following a disturbing altercation with fellow athlete and ex-girlfriend Alaysha Johnson.
Details of the Alleged Incident
According to the official arrest report obtained by TMZ Sports, police were dispatched to the scene at around 7:48 PM after Johnson reported that Kerley had physically assaulted her during a confrontation at a conditioning appointment for an upcoming track and field competition.
Johnson, also a professional track athlete, told authorities that she and Kerley had previously dated for about six months. On Thursday, their paths crossed unexpectedly — and that’s when things escalated.
The report claims that Kerley began arguing with Johnson and allegedly said, “I’m going to f* everyone up in here.”** He then reportedly struck her once in the facial area, causing her nose to bleed.
Police said Johnson’s injuries were consistent with her statements, which led to Kerley’s arrest on a first-degree misdemeanor charge of battery involving touch or strike.
Kerley Still in Custody
As of Friday afternoon, Kerley was still being held in jail, according to Broward County inmate records. The severity of the charges and his current custody status may impact both his legal situation and his future in athletics.
This marks another troubling run-in with law enforcement for the Texas-born sprinter, who previously made headlines in January 2025 when he was Tasered and arrested by Miami Beach police following an unrelated incident.
Fallout from the Track & Field Community
Kerley was scheduled to compete at the Grand Slam Track meet this weekend — a high-profile event featuring several Olympic hopefuls. However, event organizers confirmed Friday that Kerley has been removed from the lineup, releasing a brief statement:
“Fred Kerley will no longer be competing at this weekend’s meet. We have no further comment at this time.“
The incident could have major implications for Kerley’s career, especially with the Paris 2024 Olympic Games still fresh in fans’ minds, where he previously made headlines as one of America’s top sprinters.
Who Is Fred Kerley?
Fred Kerley is a world-class sprinter known for his elite performances in the 100m and 400m sprints. He won a silver medal in the 100m at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and was a gold medalist in the 4x100m relay at the World Championships. He’s long been considered one of the top contenders to carry on the legacy of American sprinting.
Alaysha Johnson: Rising Track Star
Alaysha Johnson is also a notable name in the track world, specializing in hurdles. She’s been steadily rising through the professional ranks and is considered a top prospect in U.S. women’s track and field.
The incident between the two has not only shocked the track and field community but has also sparked conversations around domestic violence in professional sports — a topic that continues to gain traction with each new case.
Repeat Trouble with Law Enforcement
This latest incident comes just months after Kerley was Tasered by police during a confrontation in Miami Beach. Although the details of that event were murky, it added to a growing list of behavioral concerns for the Olympic hopeful.
Combined with Thursday’s arrest, questions are now being raised about whether Kerley will face disciplinary action from U.S. Track & Field or the International Olympic Committee, both of which take accusations of violence and misconduct seriously.
What’s Next for Fred Kerley?
As of now, there’s no official word from Kerley’s representatives or legal counsel regarding the charges. He has not issued a public statement, and his social media accounts remain silent since the incident.
Legal experts suggest that the first-degree misdemeanor charge could carry penalties including fines, probation, or jail time, depending on how the case proceeds.
If convicted, Kerley may also face professional sanctions, loss of endorsements, and possible suspension from upcoming national and international events.
Final Thoughts
Fred Kerley’s alleged assault on Alaysha Johnson marks a deeply concerning moment for one of Team USA’s most prominent athletes. As investigations unfold and the track world processes the shocking news, many are wondering what this means for Kerley’s future — both on and off the track.
For now, what remains clear is that the road ahead for the Olympic sprinter just got a lot more complicated.
