5 days ago
Olympic champion 'attacks boyfriend' in leaked airport video
Olympic gold medallist Sha'Carri Richardson was caught on CCTV footage seemingly having a heated altercation with her boyfriend, leading to her arrest last month.
The leaked video captures the moment the USA's Paris 4×100m relay champion appears to forcefully grab and push her partner, fellow American sprinter Christian Coleman. The pair are seen walking along when Richardson, 25, suddenly reaches for Coleman's backpack from behind.
During what looks like a fiery exchange, Richardson is seen shoving her 29-year-old partner against a pillar.
Onlookers start to notice the commotion as the couple momentarily disappear from view. When they re-emerge, they're seen heading towards security, with Richardson continuing to be physical with Coleman. Sha'Carri Richardson looks on after winning the Women's 100 Meter final on day 2 of the 2020 U.S. Olympic Track & Field Team Trials (Image: Getty Images)
A different camera angle seems to show Richardson throwing an object at Coleman before she walks off in a huff. Subsequently, Coleman is observed speaking with a group of police officers, as reported by the Daily Star.
Richardson, who secured gold with Team USA in the 4x100m relay, landed in trouble after being arrested and charged with fourth-degree assault, resulting in a 18-hour stay in custody before being let go. Coleman later stated he had no intention of pressing charges.
Port of Seattle Police received information from Richardson that the argument kicked off 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 stepped up to defend Richardson amidst the controversy, as Citius Mag reported his words: "For me personally, I feel like it was a sucky situation all round," he said.
"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."
