After news broke that the reigning 100-meter world champ Sha’Carri Richardson was arrested for allegedly pushing Christian Coleman at SeaTac Airport in Seattle, the man at the center of it all is speaking out and standing by her side.
Just when we thought the airport altercation saga between Olympic sprinters Sha’Carri and Coleman had hit full speed, there has been a plot twist, and it is straight out of a sports soap opera.
“She’s a human being and a great person.”
Coleman finally broke his silence during the U.S. Track & Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon, telling reporters he does not believe Richardson should have been arrested in the first place.
“I don’t feel like she should have been arrested. I mean people have discussions and emotions and stuff like that,” said Coleman. “She has things that she needs to work on for herself, of course. So do I, so do you, so does everybody.”
According to USA TODAY Sports, the fiery exchange went down on July 27. A TSA supervisor reported witnessing Richardson assaulting a man, which turned out to be Coleman, at the security checkpoint. Surveillance footage allegedly captured Richardson pushing him into a column after an argument, then continuing to follow and throw headphones at him as he tried to walk away.
She was arrested for fourth-degree domestic violence and booked into jail, only to be released the following afternoon.
Coleman has been firm in his support. “I’m the type of guy who’s in the business of extending grace, and mercy and love… She’s the best female athlete in the world. I see it every day.”