In the spring of 2022, Fred Kerley was everywhere. U.S. champion, world 100m gold medalist, brand ambassador, and the face of American sprinting’s new era—he was impossible to ignore. Now, just three years later, he’s no longer on the start list, but on the sidelines—firing off cryptic tweets while suspended from Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track circuit. Once dubbed the next great American sprinter to carry the torch post-Bolt, Kerley is now navigating legal turmoil, reputational fallout, and the fight to reclaim his place on the track.

Miami Grand Slam Track – an event that had Fred Kerley’s fans desperately waiting for his return. The city buzzed with anticipation for his explosive return to the 100m stage. But Kerley did not show up. The official word came on Friday, May 23. Grand Slam Track released a statement confirming the suspension of Fred Kerley pending the outcome of ongoing legal proceedings following his May 1 arrest in Dania Beach, Florida. The incident, involving an alleged altercation with his girlfriend, Olympian Alaysha Johnson, at a Le Méridien hotel, triggered the immediate fallout—Kerley’s scratch from Miami and now, his omission from the upcoming Philadelphia Grand Slam meet.

“Grand Slam Track signed racer Fred Kerley is suspended pending the completion of legal proceedings and will not compete in Philadelphia,” a statement from Grand Slam Track said on Friday, May 23, 2025. Yes, you heard that right, there is no Fred Kerley in the Philadelphia Grand Slam Track. His reaction? Well, he did not say anything directly, but he sure did make a tweet that could be speculated as his response to the decision taken by Michael Johnson’s league.

Kerley posted a picture on X, donning a light blue sleeveless tank top, dark navy track pants, and a green and orange cap. Posting an image with a cinematic of isolation and focus, he wrote, “Ain’t too many dogs left in this sport — just folks playin’ fetch.” What does that mean? Whether a dig at the establishment, the athletes toeing the line, or the sport’s gatekeepers, the intent was unmistakable: Fred Kerley feels exiled—and he’s not staying silent about it.

The suspension stems from a May 1 incident, during which Kerley allegedly struck Johnson in the face, causing visible injury. Kerley was booked that evening but later released. The sprinter maintains that his arrest was procedural, not criminal. A statement from Kerley on May 4 said: “While there was a physical altercation, my arrest was not due to any criminal act. Rather, it resulted from my decision to exercise right [to] remain silent until legal counsel was present. I chose not to speak to law enforcement without my attorney, and for that reason alone, I was booked.”

Since then, Grand Slam Track has moved forward without him, confirming that Christian Coleman and Christian Miller will compete in Philadelphia. As of now, there is no word from GST officials regarding Kerley’s potential appearance at the final Grand Slam meet in Los Angeles (June 27–29).

A missed shot at redemption for Fred Kerley

The disappointment is compounded by the arc Kerley had been carving this season. After a disappointing opener at the Kingston GST meet (April 4–6)—where he clocked a lackluster 10.30s in the 100m and 20.39s in the 200m—Kerley seemed poised for a bounce-back. At the Franson Last Chance Meet in Malibu (May 9–11), he delivered three consecutive Sub-10s. He clocked 9.95 seconds in the 100m preliminaries and improved to 9.87 seconds in the semifinals, culminating in a 9.98s finals win. The trajectory was clear: redemption in Philly, form peaking at the right time. Now, that momentum’s been halted—at least stateside.

Kerley may be suspended by Grand Slam Track, but his international calendar remains open. Freelance athletics reporter Noel Francis reported on May 23 that Kerley is listed to compete in the Rabat Diamond League on Sunday, May 25. There, he’ll line up against the undefeated Akani Simbine and Letsile Tebogo, two of 2025’s fastest men. That race will be pivotal—not just for Kerley’s season, but for his brand, legacy, and shot at Olympic qualification.

The Freelance Track & field writer for World Athletics, Trackalerts, Champs magazine wrote on X on May 23, 2025, “Embattled American sprinter Fred Kerley is listed to compete in the men’s 100m at the Rabat Diamond League meeting on Sunday, 25 May. Kerley, ranked 4th in the world, has a season’s best of 9.98 seconds. He will face off against the unbeaten Akani Simbine and 🇧🇼’s Letsile Tebogo.”

For Kerley, this isn’t just about one race or one league—it’s about reputation management, performance under pressure, and navigating a sport that often offers little grace for missteps. Whether he meant to or not, his tweet paints a picture of a sport that feels more political than pure, more performative than passionate. And while his legal case continues, the 29-year-old is still chasing something bigger than medals. Redemption isn’t just about the stopwatch. It’s about being seen, again, as more than a headline.

As for whether GST’s decision was premature or necessary, that answer will play out in courtrooms, lanes, and—if Kerley has anything to say about it—scoreboards.