American sprinter Marvin Bracy-Williams was arrested on a driving under the influence charge earlier in August in Orlando, Florida. Police responded to the scene to find a tow truck removing his vehicle from a ditch, according to court documents.
The tow truck driver reported that Bracy-Williams appeared to be passed out behind the wheel when the driver arrived. The vehicle was reportedly still running and in gear. The driver contacted law enforcement due to concerns about intoxication.
Officers noted that Bracy-Williams smelled of alcohol and subsequently arrested him after he performed poorly on field sobriety tests. He was booked in Orange County.
This arrest adds to a difficult year for the 32-year-old athlete, who has faced several suspensions. In November, the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) issued Bracy-Williams a three-year, nine-month ban for anti-doping violations, including testosterone use, attempted tampering, and whereabouts violations. This ban began retroactively in February 2024.
While suspended, Bracy-Williams participated in the Enhanced Games in May, an event that permits the use of performance-enhancing substances. Shortly after, a man was federally indicted for supplying Bracy-Williams with drugs.
In June, Bracy-Williams received a 12-year ban from USADA for a third anti-doping violation. He had informed USADA of his intention to retire on June 5. The agency stated that his period of ineligibility would continue indefinitely until he returns from retirement and serves the remainder of his sanctions. He has also been disqualified from any competitive results on or after April 1, 2026, including the forfeiture of any medals, points, and prizes.
Prior to his recent troubles, Bracy-Williams played college football at Florida State and had brief NFL stints with the Colts in 2017 and Seahawks in 2018, though he was cut before the regular season in both instances. He also played for the Orlando Apollos in the Alliance of American Football in 2019 before suffering a shoulder injury.
In track and field, Bracy-Williams was a semifinalist in the 100-meter sprint at the 2016 Olympics. He won silver medals in the 100 meters and the 4×100 relay for the U.S. at the 2022 World Athletics Championships.