High school runner who ‘attacked’ opponent with baton explains why

Alaila Everett has provided her viewpoint following a distressing incident at a high school track event that gained widespread attention, which involved an opponent being struck in the head with a baton.

The occurrence transpired on March 7 during a 4×200 meter relay at Liberty University in Virginia. Kaelen Tucker, a sprinter from Brookville High School, sustained a concussion and a potential skull fracture as a result of being hit on the back of the head with a baton.

The footage of the incident rapidly circulated on social media, leading many viewers to believe that the strike was deliberate.

Tucker, who was running the second leg of the relay, had just overtaken Everett, a competitor from I.C. Norcom High School, on the curve of the track when the event unfolded. Spectators reacted with audible gasps as Tucker fell to the ground following the impact. The video sparked significant outrage online, with numerous individuals calling for Everett to face a ban from future competitions.

In response, Everett has now addressed the situation, asserting that the incident was unintentional. In a heartfelt interview with WAVY TV 10, she defended her actions, stating that she never intended to harm her fellow athlete.

“Everyone has emotions,” she expressed tearfully. “You may be physically injured, but you’re not considering my mental state, right? They are judging based on a single perspective.”

Elaborating on her account of the event, Everett recounted: “After several instances of my baton making contact with her, I became entangled behind her back, and it rolled up her back. I lost my balance, and when I resumed pumping my arms, she was struck. I understand my intentions, and I would never intentionally hit someone.”

Everett’s parents have supported her, asserting that their daughter acted without any malicious intent. They also disclosed that Tucker’s family has initiated legal proceedings, serving them with court documents in an attempt to secure a protective order.
The Tuckers have conveyed their dissatisfaction regarding the absence of an apology during the event. In an interview with local media, they remarked, “They were next to us at the event. They were observing the video, yet no one offered an apology or inquired about her well-being. Regardless of whether it was an unfortunate incident, one would still check on her.”

Everett asserts that she has made efforts to apologize and reach out to Tucker, but claims that Tucker has not been open to communication.

In the meantime, Tucker’s mother, Tamarro, has reached out to the governing body of the sport, which has reportedly initiated an official investigation into the matter.

As tensions persist, the controversy continues to develop, with many awaiting the outcome of the inquiry to ascertain whether Everett’s actions were truly accidental or if further repercussions are warranted.