Olympic track and field star Fred Kerley faced a tumultuous arrest in Miami Beach, Florida, after a confrontation with police on Thursday night.

Body-worn camera footage released by the Miami Beach police depicts Kerley, the reigning Olympic bronze medalist in the men's 100-meter dash, exchanging words with several officers before a physical altercation ensued. Officers allege that Kerley attempted to push through a police scene and expressed an "aggressive demeanor" when instructed to circumvent the area, according to the AP News report.

In the resulting struggle, Kerley was wrestled to the ground by four officers who ultimately subdued him using a stun gun, colloquially known as a Taser. Following the incident, Kerley was charged with battery, resisting an officer, and disorderly conduct. He was booked into jail early Friday morning but released later that afternoon. His attorney, Yale Sanford, labeled the incident a "total misunderstanding" and criticized the police for what he described as an excessive use of force.

Kerley had approached officers while attempting to retrieve his car, which was parked near the active police scene. However, the officers directed him to move away from the area. Footage shows a series of exchanges that escalated into a shoving match, ultimately leading to Kerley’s takedown. A judge at Kerley's bond hearing suggested that the confrontation could have been handled differently, noting his previous good conduct and professional background in athletics, according to The Daily Beast.

This incident has reignited discussions on the use of force by police in America, particularly in relation to encounters with Black individuals. As the footage gained traction on social media, opinions were divided; some viewed Kerley as an aggressor while others saw him as a victim of overzealous policing practices. The Miami Beach police department commented that they would review the officers’ actions to ensure appropriate conduct was maintained, as several high-profile athletes have similarly encountered police disputes in recent months.

For more details, visit BBC Sport.