Christian Coleman, Sha’Carri Richardson’s boyfriend, speaks out about her arrest

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.