Kerley faces provisional suspension over whereabouts charge

The AIU charged Fred Kerley with a whereabouts violation and he plans to contest the charge.

Kerley faces provisional suspension after whereabouts charge

American sprinter Fred Kerley has been provisionally suspended for a whereabouts violation under the Athletics Integrity Unit rules. The charge arises from three missed tests in a 12-month period, a threshold used to flag whereabouts failures. Kerley says he will appeal the charge and has shared a letter from his lawyer dated August 4.

Kerley's case arrives as track and field tries to balance fairness with the reality that many factors can lead to missed tests. A provisional suspension signals seriousness but also raises questions about notice, communication, and the role of the Doping Control Officer in locating athletes. The ongoing process will test how the sport weighs intent against procedural lapses and whether the rules are applied consistently across athletes.

For the U.S., Kerley's absence at the world championships in Tokyo compounds a season already under pressure. His case sits alongside another anti-doping matter involving Erriyon Knighton, who is contesting a CAS ruling after testing positive for a trenbolone metabolite and facing a USADA decision that linked it to contaminated meat. The interplay between these cases highlights how governance, testing and appeal rights shape public perception of the sport.

Highlights

As the process unfolds, the sport watches for clarity and consistency in enforcement.