Olympic champion Sha’Carri Richardson was caught on CCTV in an alleged heated altercation with her boyfriend, leading to her arrest. The video captures the moment the USA’s Paris 4×100m relay gold medallist appears to grab and shove her partner, fellow sprinter Christian Coleman. The incident unfolds as the couple walk through the concourse, with Richardson, 25, suddenly reaching for Coleman’s backpack.
An intense exchange follows, during which Richardson is seen pushing her 29-year-old partner against a pillar. Onlookers start to notice the commotion as the pair momentarily disappear from view. They re-emerge heading towards security personnel, with Richardson continuing to physically engage with Coleman.
A different camera angle seems to show Richardson throwing an object at Coleman before she walks away. Coleman is later spotted speaking with police officers.
Richardson, who secured gold in the 4x100m relay with Team USA, was arrested and charged with fourth-degree assault, resulting in a brief time in jail before being released. Coleman later stated he had no intention of pressing charges.
The Port of Seattle Police received information from Richardson that the argument started over Coleman taking her headphones. “Richardson advised she did not assault him in any way and the dispute was only a verbal argument,” the police report noted.
Coleman defended Richardson during the controversy, telling Citius Mag: “For me personally, I feel like it was a sucky situation all round.
“I don’t feel like she should have been arrested. I’m the type of guy who’s in the business of extending grace, and mercy and love. It didn’t affect me. She’s a human being and a great person, and I feel like you know, we’ve been able to be really good team-mates all year. We’re just two dominant personalities. To me, she’s the best female athlete in the world.
“She’s just had a lot of things going on, lot of emotions and forces going on inside of her that not only I can’t understand, but nobody can. She’s one-of-one. I know it’s been a tough journey for her this year.
“But she’s gonna bounce back because she’s the best female athlete in the world. I see it every day. She’s gonna be just fine. She gonna be good, and I’m gonna be good too.”