Former world 100m champion Fred Kerley has denied he was arrested as claimed for battery but because he exercised his right to remain silent until his lawyer was present after a "physical altercation".

Olympic sprint medalist Fred Kerley has been charged with battery in Florida for allegedly punching a female fellow athlete.

U.S. Olympic sprinter Fred Kerley was arrested in Broward County on Thursday, accused of hitting a woman in the face  resulting in a nose bleed, according to a probable cause affidavit.