I DIDN’T hit her — Fred Kerley drags ex-girlfriend Alaysha Johnson to court after pleading ‘not guilty’ to assault charges

Olympic sprinter Fred Kerley is taking a bold stand after being arrested on misdemeanour battery charges earlier this month. 

The American sprinter, known globally for his silver and bronze medal finishes at the 2020 and 2024 Olympic Games, has pleaded not guilty to claims he assaulted his ex-girlfriend, fellow athlete Alaysha Johnson, in a Miami hotel.

According to court documents and police reports, Johnson alleged that Kerley struck her once in the face, leaving her with a bleeding nose following an argument on May 1st.

 But Kerley has flatly denied the accusation, declaring that the account given to police was "false and damaging" to both his character and career.

According to TMZ Sports, the 29-year-old athlete, through his representative Shawn Zanotti, has confirmed he is now preparing to take legal action against Johnson in a bid to clear his name

The fallout has been swift. Kerley was suspended by Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track organisation and removed from a major athletics meet in Philadelphia last weekend. 

The backlash has sparked outrage amongst his fans, many of whom are now questioning the credibility of the allegations.

Despite the suspension and media storm, Kerley appears undeterred, and his legal counsel maintains his runner's innocence.

Meanwhile, Johnson has not made further public statements since the incident.