Alaila Everett has shared her perspective after a shocking moment at a high school track event went viral, showing an opponent being struck in the head with a baton.
The incident took place on March 7 during a 4×200 meter relay at Liberty University in Virginia. Kaelen Tucker, a sprinter from Brookville High School, suffered a concussion and a possible skull fracture after being hit on the back of the head with a baton.
The video of the moment quickly spread across social media, with many viewers assuming the strike was intentional.
Tucker, running the second leg of the relay, had just passed Everett, a runner from I.C. Norcom High School, on the bend of the track when the incident occurred. Spectators audibly gasped as Tucker collapsed to the ground from the impact. The clip prompted an outcry online, with many calling for Everett to be banned from competition.
However, Everett has now spoken out, claiming the incident was an accident. In an emotional interview with WAVY TV 10, she defended herself, saying she never meant to harm her competitor.
“Everybody has feelings,” she said tearfully. “You’re physically hurt, but you’re not thinking about my mental [health], right? They are going off of one angle.”
Describing what happened from her perspective, Everett explained: “After a couple times of hitting her with my baton, I got stuck behind her back like this and it rolled up her back. I lost my balance, and when I pumped my arms again, she got hit. I know my intentions, and I would never hit somebody on purpose.”
Everett’s parents have stood by her, maintaining that their daughter had no malicious intent. They also revealed that Tucker’s family has now taken legal action, serving them with court papers in an effort to obtain a protective order.
For their part, the Tuckers have expressed disappointment in the lack of an apology at the event. Speaking to local news, they said: “They were beside us at the event. They were watching the video at the event, but no one apologized or came to check on her. Even if it was a fluke or freak accident, you still would check on her.”
Everett claims she has attempted to apologize and reach out to Tucker, but says Tucker has not been ‘receptive’ to communication.
Meanwhile, Tucker’s mother, Tamarro, has contacted the sport’s governing body, which has reportedly launched an official investigation into the incident.
As tensions remain high, the controversy continues to unfold, with many awaiting the results of the inquiry to determine whether Everett’s actions were indeed accidental or if further consequences should follow.