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Sprinter Christian Coleman is speaking out in defense of his girlfriend, Sha'Carri Richardson, following her arrest for domestic violence, per USA Today.
Last week, Richardson was arrested at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport following an alleged altercation with Coleman that unfolded as they left TSA airport security.
Police said Richardson pushed Coleman several times, causing him to fall into a nearby column. Richardson also allegedly threw a pair of headphones at Coleman.
Following the incident, Coleman refused to press charges and "declined to be a victim."
"For me personally, I feel like it was a sucky situation all round," Coleman told reporters on Sunday (August 3). "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,” he continued. “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."
“I just look at situations like this to take a step back, analyze yourself mentally, and then just try to see what you could do to be your best self so that you can move forward,” the sprinter added.
Richardson, who won silver in the 100-meter sprint at the 2024 Paris Olympics, was booked on July 27 at the South Correctional Entity in Des Moines, Wash. She was released the next day.
Over the weekend, both runners appeared at the U.S. Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon.
Coleman, who won the 100-meter sprint at the 2019 World Championships, placed fifth in the 100 and sixth in the 200-meter, failing to qualify for worlds. Richardson, who has an automatic bid into the 100-meter as the reigning world champion, missed qualifying for the 200-meter final.
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