Michael Johnson posted an open letter to Grand Slam Track athletes on Friday that addressed months of rumors why the league has been unable to compensate them within a previously agreed time frame.
According to Johnson, there were major issues with investor funding that ultimately led to the cancelation of the final meet in June in Los Angeles along with leading to delays in when athletes would be paid.
“Due to our strong desire to make this right as quickly as possible, we offered dated payment timelines and have been unable to meet them,” Jonhson said in his statement. “Understandably, this has led to frustration, disappointment, and inconvenience to our athletes, agents, and vendors. I know this damages trust. I know this makes some wonder if our vision can survive. That is why we are not just addressing the immediate problem; we are putting systems and partnerships in place to make sure it never happens again.”
Johnson later expressed that the league would focus on paying its outstanding debts and he said he felt “confident” in the future of the league.
