Sha’Carri Richardson’s summer has been marked by turbulence away from the track. The reigning world champion in the women’s 100 meters was taken into custody on July 27 at Seattle–Tacoma International Airport following a confrontation with fellow sprinter Christian Coleman. Days later, reports circulated suggesting that the case had been dismissed after Coleman declined to press charges. But prosecutors in Washington have now confirmed that Richardson still faces a misdemeanor domestic violence charge, creating a legal complication that unfolded at the same time Coleman collected a Diamond League victory in Europe.

Police records show that Richardson was booked at the South Correctional Entity in Des Moines, Washington, after an alleged altercation at the airport. According to the Seattle Police Department, video footage depicted Richardson shoving Coleman and throwing a pair of headphones at him as he attempted to leave the area. Coleman, 29, told officers he did not wish to press charges, but Seattle prosecutors later chose to proceed. Richardson was charged with fourth-degree assault and entered a not guilty plea during her arraignment on July 28, according to a spokesperson for the City of SeaTac Municipal Court.

That same spokesperson told LetsRun.com this week that “no trial has been set and the case is still in negotiation, with Richardson’s attorneys negotiating with the city prosecutor for a resolution to the case.” Richardson is scheduled to return to court in SeaTac on Tuesday, although she may allow her attorneys, led by Michele Shaw, to appear on her behalf. The confirmation of the pending case contrasts with earlier media accounts that suggested the matter had been resolved.

The legal update arrived just as Coleman was back on the track, securing the 100m Diamond League victory with 9.97s (-0.4).

Coleman defended Sha’Carri Richardson in early August, telling reporters at the U.S. Championships that he did not believe she should have been detained. “She’s a human being and a great person,” Coleman mentioned. “A lot of things going on.” Richardson, who withdrew from the 100-meter semifinal at those championships but already holds an automatic berth to the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, has not competed since.

Her next scheduled appearance on the track is expected at the World Championships in Tokyo, where the opening round of the women’s 100 meters begins on September 13. Until then, Richardson remains engaged in both a legal process in Washington and preparations for one of the sport’s most significant global stages.

Soon after the news of Richardson being arrested made the headlines, she publicly stated that she would seek help and offered an apology after her airport arrest involving Christian Coleman.

Sha’Carri Richardson to seek help and apologize after her arrest involving Christian Coleman

Sha’Carri Richardson acknowledged her arrest at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport by declaring that she would confront the episode with accountability and a resolve to change. In her first public remarks, she explained that she was prepared to undergo “a lot of self-reflection” and to seek assistance that, in her words, would allow her true character to be revealed.

Speaking in a video message shared on Instagram, she remarked, “I’m taking this time to not only see myself but get myself a certain level of help that overall is going to reflect who I truly am in my heart and my spirit.”

Richardson, who was 25 at the time, stressed that the incident had forced her to examine her actions in a personal as well as a public context. She thanked supporters who had continued to stand by her and stated, “My only thing is, I want to be more – not just only for myself, for my family, my fans. I overly appreciate y’all supporting me and showing love and even holding me accountable to being my best self.” Her message, delivered with a steady tone, emphasized that she intended to face the consequences directly rather than attempt to avoid them.

Alongside her broader reflections, Richardson addressed her boyfriend, Christian Coleman, with a written apology. “I apologize to Christian,” she wrote, adding that his presence in her life had provided her with an unconditional love that she had struggled to accept because of earlier pain.

Sha’Carri continued, “He came into my life & gave me more than a relationship but a greater understanding of unconditional love from what I’ve experienced in my past. Due to my past trauma & pain, I was blind & blocked off to not only receive it but give it.” She admitted, “I was blind and blocked off to not only receive it but give it. I love him and to him I can’t apologize enough.” 

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