Christian Coleman defended fellow sprinter Sha¡¯Carri Richardson after she was reportedly arrested for pushing him, saying on Sunday that she was a ¡°great person.¡±
Reigning 100-meter world champion Richardson was arrested for domestic violence at a Seattle airport ahead of the U.S. Track & Field Championships, USA TODAY Sports reported on Friday.
According to a police report obtained by USA TODAY Sports, the 25-year-old, who won silver in the 100 at the Paris Games, allegedly pushed Coleman, who then fell into a nearby column after an argument.
Richardson was detained on the evening of July 27 and released the following day, USA TODAY Sports reported.
¡°For me personally, I feel like it was a sucky situation all round,¡± Coleman, the 2019 world 100-meter champion, told reporters at the U.S. championships in Eugene, Oregon. ¡°I don¡¯t feel like she should have been arrested. I mean people have discussions and emotions and stuff like that.
¡°She has things that she needs to work on for herself, of course. So do I, so do you, so does everybody. But I¡¯m the type of guy who¡¯s in the business of extending grace, and mercy and love ...
¡°She¡¯s a human being and a great person. To me she¡¯s the best female athlete in the world. I see it every day.¡±
Port of Seattle Police Department and Richardson¡¯s agent did not respond to requests for comment.
Richardson withdrew from the 100 semifinals on Friday after participating in Thursday¡¯s heats, before failing to qualify for the 200 final on Sunday.
She is guaranteed a spot in the 100 at the world championships in Tokyo next month due to her win in Budapest in 2023.
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