Four-time Olympic champion Michael Johnson has confirmed he will return $500,000 that he allegedly paid himself before his Grand Slam Track league ceased operations.

The payment, which Johnson reportedly made to himself prior to the league's collapse, has drawn scrutiny from stakeholders and investors involved in the venture. The Grand Slam Track league was Johnson's attempt to create a new professional track and field competition format.

Johnson, who won gold medals in the 200 meters and 400 meters at both the 1992 and 1996 Olympic Games, had positioned the league as an innovative approach to professional track and field competition. The venture aimed to provide enhanced opportunities and compensation for elite track athletes.

The circumstances surrounding the league's failure and the timing of Johnson's self-payment have raised questions about the financial management of the organization. Johnson's decision to voluntarily return the funds appears to be an effort to address concerns from investors and other parties involved in the venture.

Details about the specific reasons for the Grand Slam Track league's collapse and the full extent of its financial obligations have not been fully disclosed. The league's failure represents a setback for efforts to establish new commercial opportunities in professional track and field.