High school track athlete Alaila Everett has been charged with assault after a shocking moment caught on video showed her striking competitor Kaelen Tucker with a baton during an indoor championship in Virginia.
The Lynchburg Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office confirmed to The Daily Mail that a petition has been issued for one count of assault and battery against Everett following the viral incident.
The altercation occurred during the 4x200m relay when Tucker, representing Brookville High School in Lynchburg, overtook Everett from I.C. Norcom High School on the outside lane. Footage of the race shows Everett pulling Tucker’s right arm back and hitting her on the head with the baton she was holding.
WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW:
Everett has since spoken out, claiming she has received death threats over the incident. In an emotional interview with Wavy on Monday, she tearfully defended herself.
“Nobody is going to believe me because I can admit from the video it does look purposeful,” she said. “But I know my intentions and I would never hit anybody on purpose.”
She also argued that she is being judged based on a brief clip, saying, “I’m being punished over a nine-second video.”
Meanwhile, Tucker, who was struck during the race, told local ABC affiliate WSET that she is still processing what happened.
“I still can’t believe it, I’m in shock. I’m still trying to take it all in,” she said. “Why did you do it, and why haven’t you apologized?”
According to reports, Tucker suffered a concussion and a possible skull fracture as a result of the hit.
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Good, I hope that she is charged and that it sticks.
Gotta be stoned on something…
Hopefully, she will be punished. Can’t allow people to get away with such actions. Getting away with it will only give permission for others to to do the same.
Exactly as it should be. That was a deliberate action on her part and she deserves to be punished!