A video of a track runner whacking a competitor in the head with a baton is now a viral topic. High schoolers Alaila Everett and Kaelen Tucker went up against each other in the 4×200 meter relay on Tuesday, March 4. After the head hit, Tucker reportedly suffered a concussion and “possible skull fracture,” per TMZ. After intense public backlash, Everett gave a tearful explanation of the incident, which she called accidental. According to news outlet 10WAVY, Kaelen’s family is reportedly seeking a protective order against Alaila.
Meanwhile, in a new update, the Lynchburg Commonwealth’s Attorney Office announced criminal charges against Everett for the incident with Kaelen Tucker.
Editor’s Note: This article was published on March 11 and updated on March 12 to reflect new information from the prosecutor’s office. Keep reading for a summary and footage of what happened at the track meet and what both young ladies involved had to say afterward.
Prosecutors Announce Charge Against Alaila Everett, NAACP Reacts
As mentioned, the local attorney’s office filed a petition to charge the high school senior with one count of assault and battery, per 10WAVY. It’s unclear if an arrest warrant has also been issued. Everett and her family have yet to speak out.
However, the Portsmouth NAACP blasted the charge in a statement on March 12. It called out media outlets framing the minor as an attacker and declared in all caps that she was not! The NAACP reportedly added the criminal charges are “concerning” and “not warranted” while denouncing the death threats and racial slurs Alaila Everett has reportedly been receiving. NAACP also offered thoughts and prayers for both girls involved and their families.
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Viral Video Of Track Meet Shows THIS
As mentioned, the track meet was a statewide competition last week. Alaila Everett represented I.C. Norcom High School in Portsmouth, while Kaelen Tucker was on the team from Brookville High School in Lynchburg. Everett is a senior, and Kaelen is a junior. It was allegedly their first time competing against each other.
The clip shows both girls coming into close contact while rounding a corner. After Kaelen pulled ahead, the baton appeared to smack her in the back. The high school junior kept running but lost her baton and began stumbling into Alaila’s lane. She then got hit a second time as she crossed in front of Everett’s path and eventually stumbled off of the track and fell to the ground. Meanwhile, the high school senior kept running past the injured runner.
Alaila Everett Says Baton Hit Was Accidental
While speaking with 10WAVY, Alaila Everett said that during the race, she was focused on the lanes ahead but stopped a yellow uniform in her peripheral. That uniform ended up being Tucker, who Everett says was “so close” to her that she kept getting hit with the baton. She chose the second option when faced with getting hurt or continuing to run.
“…And it’s either keep hitting her or fall unto the metal railing that’s on the track. So eventually, after a couple of times hitting her my baton got stuck behind her back…and it rolled up her vest. I lost my balance and when I pumped my arms again, she got hit. She was cutting in when it happened, when she should’ve waited a little bit longer,” Everett said.
Because Tucker continued to run near her, the baton struck her again. After getting hit the second time, Alaila says she kept her baton up. She didn’t check on Tucker because she chose to finish the race. Afterward, she noted that Tucker already had people around her. Also, her coach allegedly told her to stay nearby after informing them that the I.C. Norcom High School was disqualified from the competition.
