'I Chose Not To Speak' - Fred Kerley Breaks Silence After Arrest

Olympic 100m silver medallist Fred Kerley says he will clear his name after being arrested for what he described as a misunderstanding.

The former 100m world champion was reported to have been arrested for allegedly punching his former girlfriend and fellow athlete Alaysha Johnson in the face.

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Kerley, 29, has acknowledged there was a physical altercation but denied that was the reason for his arrest in Miami last Thursday according to the BBC. "While there was a physical altercation, my arrest was not due to any criminal act. I chose not to speak to law enforcement without my attorney, and for that reason alone, I was booked," Kerley said.

"I remain fully committed to clearing my name and cooperating with appropriate parties to resolve it. 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."

The alleged altercation occurred at a hotel in Dania Beach before Kerley had been scheduled to compete in Miami at the second Grand Slam Track meeting, which started on Friday.

BBC's US partner CBS reported that Kerley had been charged with one count of "battery-touch or strike" as per the arrest report from the Broward County Sheriff's Office. CBS said Kerley appeared in court on Friday and posted a $1,000 bond before leaving jail.

Kerley spent time in police custody in January after he was arrested and charged with a felony in Miami as previously reported by Pulse Sports.

Kerley landed in trouble after police accused him of assaulting one of them during a confrontation in Miami Beach, leading to a nasty confrontation.

The sprinter had parked his car at a scene that had officers trying to solve an incident but approached them in an aggressive demeanor as was concerned about his vehicle.

The arrest report states that officers told Kerley to “go around” the area but he continued to be aggressive, arguing with officers and eventually trying to “force” his way through two officers and grabbing the hand of an officer who put it up to “create space” between him and the athlete.