EUGENE, OR — Christian Coleman defended Sha’Carri Richardson after an alleged incident at the at the Seattle–Tacoma International Airport in which Richardson was arrested for domestic violence, according to the police report obtained by USA TODAY Sports.
Police say Coleman was the victim in the incident.
‘For me personally, I feel like it was a sucky situation all round,’ Coleman said Sunday. ‘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.’
Coleman competed in the 100 and 200 meters at the U.S. Track and Field Championships. He failed to qualify for next month’s world championships. He ran a season-best 9.86 in the 100 and placed fifth. He placed sixth in the 200, running a season-best 20.02.
The sprinter said incident at the airport didn’t affect him at the U.S. championships.
Coleman is a three-time world championship gold medalist. He won the 100 at the 2019 World Championships.
Richardson scratched from the 100 competition after running in the opening round. She automatically qualified for this year’s world championships due to being the defending champion. Richardson didn’t qualify in the 200.
Richardson declined comment to reporters at the U.S. championships.
“She’s a human being and a great person,” Coleman said. “To me she’s the best female athlete in the world. I see it every day.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).