Fred Kerley might be out of the Grand Slam Track spotlight, but he’s not out of the game. Just days after being pulled from the upcoming Philadelphia leg due to an ongoing legal matter, the American sprint star is gearing up somewhere else to race again this time. While one door may have closed, he’s already sprinting through another. And after a rocky stop in the Diamond League in Rabat, where he placed third in both his races. It’s a dramatic turn in what’s been a turbulent month. Kerley was initially hyped for a return at the Miami Grand Slam Track Meet for his 100m showdown.

But that comeback never happened. On May 23, Grand Slam Track issued a formal statement confirming his suspension due to unresolved legal proceedings stemming from a May 1 arrest in Dania Beach, Florida. “Grand Slam Track signed racer Fred Kerley is suspended pending the completion of legal proceedings and will not compete in Philadelphia,” the league stated. While Kerley broke his silence with a cryptic message on X, “Ain’t too many dogs left in this sport — just folks playin’ fetch.”

Now, with Philadelphia off the table, all eyes turn to where Kerley will look to reclaim his narrative on his terms. Todo Goles Radio took to X, highlighting, “Fred Kerley @fkerley99 (30 years old) 🇺🇸 ⁩ the king of speed, will fly this Saturday in the Canarias 🇮🇨 Athletics Invitational.” And Fred’s response? “Let go see you on the island 🏝️” The message was loud and clear! Kerley isn’t retreating. He’s recalibrating.

With Grand Slam Track on pause for him, the American sprint star is making the Canary Islands his next proving ground. And after a rollercoaster spring marked by frustration and setbacks, all eyes will be on how he responds outside U.S. soil. Things started to unravel in early May when Kerley was arrested following an altercation involving his ex-girlfriend, leading to a battery charge.

The legal fallout led to his withdrawal from the Miami Grand Slam Track Meet, a decision that set his season off course. But let’s not forget who Fred Kerley is. He’s not just another sprinter! He’s a once-in-a-generation talent. In 2022, he shocked the world with a blistering 9.76s in the 100m. Launching himself to sixth on the all-time list.

He’s among a rare trio alongside Wayde van Niekerk and Michael Norman to run sub-10 in the 100m, sub-20 in the 200m, and sub-44 in the 400m. And that same year, he led a U.S. sweep with 100m gold at the World Championships in Eugene. Yes, 2023 had its stumbles, but Kerley remained a podium threat on the world stage. Still, 2025 hasn’t given him much to smile about.

His season opener at the Kingston Grand Slam Track Meet in April was forgettable. 7th place in the 100m with a time of 10.30s, followed by a flat 20.39s in the 200m. But then came Malibu, where Kerley flipped the script with a stunning display of consistency. Three sub-10s in a row, peaking with a 9.87s in the semifinals and winning the final in 9.98s. Suddenly, the hype was back. But all the momentum he built hit a roadblock again.

Two third-place finishes, zero excuses: Fred Kerley’s fight rolls on

Fred Kerley showed up in Rabat with a swagger and a promise. “The lane is my battlefield and victory is written,” he posted on Instagram just ahead of the meet. But the battlefield was unforgiving. In the men’s 200m, it was Courtney Lindsey who commanded the race, blazing through in 20.04 seconds to claim the win. Making up for a close call in Doha.

Joseph Fahnbulleh surged late to secure second in 20.12, narrowly edging out Kerley, who clocked 20.16 to finish third. A tough pill, considering Kerley is no stranger to the Diamond League podium. With two final titles and a dozen meet wins across three distances under his belt. And if he was hoping for a better outcome in the 100m, Rabat had other plans.

South Africa’s Akani Simbine has been unstoppable so far in 2025. He stamped his authority again, winning in 9.95 seconds. Kenya’s Ferdinand Omanyala followed in 10.05, with Kerley once again rounding out the podium in third at 10.07. It’s a pattern that’s raising questions: where’s the spark that once made Fred Kerley a world champion?

Is this just a slow burn before a big comeback, or are the cracks starting to show? Kerley, however, isn’t one to doubt himself. Even when the wins aren’t coming. His boldness is part of his brand. Ahead of the 2023 Worlds, he ignited a war of words with Noah Lyles, saying, “I’m Fred Kerley, and it’s my title. If Noah’s running 9.65, I’m running faster.”

His confidence didn’t waver then, and it doesn’t now. After taking bronze at the 2024 Paris Olympics, he told the world, “You can’t terminate what’s destined to rise.” And with four months left before the World Championships, it’s clear Kerley believes his best is still to come.