On May 3, 2025, U.S. sprinter and Olympic 100m silver medalist Fred Kerley, 29, denied allegations of battery following an incident in Miami, Florida, but admitted to being involved in a physical altercation.
The 2024 Paris Olympics star, who also won bronze in the 4x100m relay, was reportedly questioned by police after a dispute at a local establishment on April 30, 2025. While initial reports suggested Kerley faced battery charges, he clarified in a press statement that no formal charges have been filed, describing the incident as a misunderstanding that escalated into a brief scuffle.
Kerley, a Texas native and one of America’s top track athletes, explained that the altercation arose from a verbal disagreement with an individual at a nightclub, which turned physical but resulted in no serious injuries. Police records indicate officers responded to a disturbance call, detaining Kerley briefly before releasing him without arrest. The Miami-Dade Police Department is investigating, with witness statements and security footage under review to determine if charges are warranted. Kerley’s legal team has called the battery allegations “exaggerated,” asserting that he acted in self-defense and cooperated fully with authorities.
The incident has drawn attention due to Kerley’s high profile, with a 9.81-second 100m personal best and a 2022 world championship gold. He has continued training in Florida, preparing for the 2025 Diamond League season, and expressed regret over the situation, vowing to focus on his career. The case remains under investigation, with no court date set. Kerley’s denial and admission aim to clarify his side of the story, as he seeks to maintain his reputation ahead of upcoming competitions, including the World Athletics Championships in 2026.