Fred Kerley released a statement on Sunday, addressing his arrest on alleged battery charges stemming from an incident at a Ft. Lauderdale-area hotel where Grand Slam Track athletes were assembled.
A police report says Kerley, 29, allegedly struck a woman, identified as ex-girlfriend Alaysha Johnson, also a Grand Slam Track participant, once in the face and caused her nose to bleed following an encounter that escalated on Thursday.
Athletes for the track league were staying at the Le Méridien Dania Beach at Fort Lauderdale Airport hotel with some finishing a press conference. Johnson, 28, was scheduled to appear at Grand Slam Track in the women’s short hurdles and her police statement said Kerley allegedly approached her and became aggressive.
The report also revealed that “Johnson’s injuries were consistent with her statements.”
In his statement, Kerley confirmed that an alternation occurred but his “arrest was not due to any criminal act. Rather, it resulted from my decision to exercise reman silent until legal counsel was present.”
Kerley said he chose to speak to officers and was later arrested. In his statement he apologized to Grand Slam Track officials and fans for any negative publicity the incident brought to the league’s second event, which was held nearby in Miramar.
“This experience caught me off guard, but I remain fully committed to clearing my name and cooperating with appropriate parties to resolve it,” his statement continued. “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.”
Kerley did not compete at any of the Grand Slam Track races over the weekend as the league shifts to its next event in Philadelphia on May 30.
Shortly after Kerley’s arrest, the league released a statement and confirmed that he would not be among the participants at the meet.
“The matter is under active investigation, and all inquiries should be directed to the Broward County Sheriff’s Office,” Grand Slam Track officials announced early Friday. “Fred will not compete this weekend. We have no further comment at this time.”
What is unclear, for now, is if Kerley will remain on the roster for the final two events in Philadelphia and Los Angeles in late May and June. Kerley is listed as a “Racer,” meaning that he is one of 48 athletes who are contractually obligated to appear at all events.
“To my fans, especially those who came out to support me this weekend, I sincerely apologize,” Kerley’s statement noted. “I am deeply grateful for your continued support and understanding.
On Friday night, he was released on bail from the Broward County Jail after appearing in court and was granted a $1,000 bond. The judge ordered that he have no contact with Johnson.
Thursday’s incident and arrest is the second matter where Kerley has faced charges.
In January, he was taken into custody by Miami Beach police after officers said he approached the scene of an active investigation and refused to leave. Kerley appeared to be trying to get to his vehicle and was denied.
Body camera footage showed multiple officers attempting to subdue Kerley and a stun gun was used on him prior to him being taken into custody.
Miami Beach police said he assumed a “fighting stance,” while backup officers later arrived and Kerley was charged with battery, resisting an officer without violence and disorderly conduct.
