Fred Kerley has reignited his 2025 season with a powerful statement, clocking three sub-10-second 100m races, including a wind-aided 9.87s, at California’s Franson Last Chance Meet. These performances came on the heels of a turbulent start to the year, which included legal troubles and a missed appearance at the Grand Slam Track meet. Now, with podium finishes in both the 100m and 200m at the Rabat Diamond League on May 25, the former world champion is proving he’s not just back—he’s determined to reclaim his place among the sprinting elite.
Fred Kerley Faced Setback Ahead of Rabat Diamond League
American sprint star Fred Kerley—yes, the Olympic medalist with the blistering speed—just hit a major roadblock ahead of the Rabat Diamond League. On May 1, 2025, Kerley got slapped with a misdemeanor battery charge after a messy incident involving his ex-girlfriend, fellow Olympian Alaysha Johnson. The drama went down at a Dania Beach, Florida, hotel where athletes were prepping for Miami’s Grand Slam Track event. According to reports, things turned physical during a conditioning session, with Johnson claiming Kerley punched her in the face, leaving her with a bloody nose. Cops hauled him off, released him on a $1,000 bond, and ordered him to steer clear of Johnson and the hotel.
Paris 2024 Olympics – Athletics – Men’s 100m Final – Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France – August 04, 2024. Fred Kerley of United States celebrates after winning bronze. REUTERS/Aleksandra Szmigiel
The fallout? Kerley pulled out of the Miami meet, and his spot at Rabat—and other upcoming races—is now up in the air. This isn’t his first rodeo with the law, either. Back in January 2025, Miami Beach police arrested him for allegedly battering an officer during a separate scuffle. And let’s not forget the May 2024 domestic violence charge involving his estranged wife. Kerley’s lawyer is fighting the latest allegations, calling it a “misunderstanding” and vowing to clear his name. But with a rap sheet growing faster than his 100m PB, sponsors and fans are left wondering: Can Kerley outrun his off-track troubles?
Fred Kerley’s Return to Diamond League Competition
Rabat isn’t just a race for Kerley—it’s redemption. Despite the chaos, he’s doubling down on the 100m and 200m here, a bold move showing he’s got nothing to lose. His recent California sprint spree (9.98s legal, 9.87s wind-aided) silenced doubters, proving he’s still got the wheels to hang with the best.
But Rabat’s a whole new beast. Kerley’s no stranger to this track—he won here in 2023 with a meet record 9.94s, outpacing Akani Simbine and Ferdinand Omanyala. This time, though, he’s racing with a chip on his shoulder. Kerley shared a message on his official X account on May 26, 2025, expressing appreciation for the venue with the words, “Thank you, Rabat, always love here.”
Thank you Rabat always love here
— Fred Kerley (@fkerley99) May 25, 2025
Key Matchups in the 100m and 200m Events
The Rabat sprints are loaded with high-stakes drama, and Fred Kerley’s got his work cut out for him. First up: Akani Simbine (RSA), the South African speedster who’s undefeated in 2025 and owns the year’s fastest 100m time (9.90s). Simbine’s itching for revenge after Kerley edged him out for Olympic bronze in Paris by a hair (9.81s vs. 9.82s). Then there’s Letsile Tebogo (BOT), the 200m Olympic champ daring to pull off a rare 100m/200m double. His jaw-dropping 19.47s African record in the 200m spells trouble, and his 9.86s 100m personal best could shake Kerley’s confidence if he nails the start.
Don’t sleep on Ferdinand Omanyala (KEN) and Brandon Hicklin (USA), either. Omanyala’s explosive starts could steal the show, while Hicklin’s 9.93s PB adds wildcard energy. And let’s not forget Kyree King, doubling up in both events like Kerley—a dark horse with podium potential.
For Kerley, the 100m is personal—a chance to reclaim his rep after a rocky season. But the 200m? That’s his playground. With a 19.76s PB, he’s got the raw speed to outgun Tebogo and even challenge Erriyon Knighton if he nails those turns. Rabat isn’t just a race—it’s a redemption arc in spikes.
Win or lose, Kerley’s got bigger fish to fry. A strong Rabat showing sets him up for September’s World Championships in Tokyo, where he’ll chase his fourth global 100m medal. Then comes the Diamond League Final in Zurich—a chance to reclaim the title he last won in 2021.
But the real prize? The 2026 Commonwealth Games, where he’s eyeing a historic third straight 200m crown. Legal woes aside, Kerley’s made one thing clear: he’s not done rewriting his story.
So, is Fred Kerley competing in Rabat? Hell yes. And he’s not just here to race—he’s here to remind the world that setbacks don’t define speed. Tune in Sunday to see if the “Comeback King” still reigns.
The post Is Fred Kerley Competing in the Rabat Diamond League After His Setback? Everything You Need to Know appeared first on EssentiallySports.