Olympic gold medalist Sha'Carri Richardson was arrested Thursday in Orange County, Florida, for allegedly driving 104 mph near Orlando.
The Team USA sprinter was booked into Orange County Jail on a charge of dangerous excessive speeding at 100 mph or more, later posting $500 bond and being released.
An Orange County sheriff's department spokesperson described her driving as "dangerously tailgating and traveling across lanes of travel to pass other motorists." Florida enacted a law six months ago making it illegal to exceed 50 mph over the speed limit or surpass 100 mph, with a first conviction carrying up to 30 days in prison or a $500 fine.
Latest Incident Adds to Growing List of Legal Troubles
The Texas native's speeding arrest marks her second legal encounter in recent months, according to the Daily Mail. Richardson was detained at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in July after an altercation with her boyfriend, fellow Olympian Christian Coleman.
Security footage captured Richardson slamming Coleman against a support column, with another angle showing her apparently throwing something at his head. She was booked on a fourth-degree domestic violence charge and held in custody for more than 18 hours.
Coleman opted against pressing charges, and Richardson later took to Instagram to apologize for the incident.
Richardson Offered Public Apology After Airport Incident
"More than anything, definitely a lot of self reflection, a lot of understanding of not only putting myself in a compromising situation with somebody that I have a deep care and appreciation for as well, is something that — holding myself accountable," Richardson said in a social media video. The apology came after Nike stood by her and continued featuring her image prominently on their website.
Despite the domestic violence arrest, Richardson appeared in a SKIMS advertisement alongside Kim Kardashian and Serena Williams. Corporate sponsors seem willing to overlook quite a bit when gold medals are involved.
The sprinter's talent has never been in question, but her judgment repeatedly has been. At some point, accountability has to mean more than posting an Instagram apology and moving on to the next endorsement deal.
Previous Controversy Cost Her a Tokyo Olympics Spot
Richardson's legal troubles follow a pattern of controversy that has shadowed her career. In 2021, she was barred from the Tokyo Olympics after testing positive for marijuana at the US trials in Oregon.
She explained at the time that she consumed a THC gummy to cope with depression following her mother's death. Richardson completed a counseling program and accepted a one-month suspension.
The marijuana ban drew widespread sympathy, and many argued the punishment was disproportionate. That goodwill, however, can only stretch so far when new incidents keep emerging.
Gold Medal Winner Continues to Court Controversy
Richardson won gold running anchor in the 4x100 relay at the Paris Games in 2024 and claimed silver in the 100m final. She remains one of the fastest women on the planet, a genuine athletic marvel.
But speed on the track is one thing, and speeding down Florida highways at 104 mph is quite another. Champions are supposed to demonstrate discipline in all areas of life, not just during competition.
A second speeding offense under Florida's new law could result in 90 days behind bars and a $1,000 penalty. Perhaps that prospect will encourage Richardson to save her racing for the stadium.
