A high school runner accused of striking a competitor with a baton during a championship race claims new footage proves her innocence. The incident, which went viral, took place at the Virginia State High School League Championships and involved athletes Alaila Everett and Kaelen Tucker.
In the footage, Everett appears to hit Tucker, causing her to fall. Tucker was later diagnosed with a concussion and a potential skull fracture. However, Everett insists the contact was accidental, explaining that her baton got caught behind Tucker’s back, leading to the unintentional strike when she regained balance.
Despite denying any wrongdoing, Everett now faces an assault and battery misdemeanor charge. The Virginia High School League and the Portsmouth NAACP are reviewing the incident. The NAACP, which is also investigating racial slurs and threats against Everett’s family, has called for charges to be dropped, stating that the justice system should ensure fairness.
Everett, an accomplished athlete and scholar, became emotional in an interview while defending herself. She maintains she never intended to harm anyone and hopes the footage will clear her name.
