The sprinter accused of attacking the other runner has now said her side of the story
Alaila Everett has recently told her side of the story after a video went viral from a track event that resulted in an opponent being hit in the head with a baton.
Brookville High School sprinter Kaelen Tucker from Virginia endured a harrowing injury during a track competition on March 7, suffering a concussion and a possible skull fracture after being struck in the back of the head with a baton.
Tucker was running the second leg of the 4×200 meter relay at Liberty University in Virginia when the shocking moment unfolded — an incident that has since gone viral, capturing the distressing scene.
The shocking incident took an even more controversial turn as footage appeared to show Alaila Everett of I.C. Norcom High School deliberately striking Kaelen Tucker with a baton after Tucker passed her on the bend.
The moment sent gasps through the crowd as Tucker collapsed to the ground, visibly injured. The clip quickly went viral on social media, sparking outrage and calls for Everett to be banned from the sport.
However, in an emotional interview with WAVYTV10, Everett tearfully denied any malicious intent, insisting that it was an unfortunate accident.
“Everybody has feelings, so you’re physically hurt, but you’re not thinking about my mental, right?” she said. “They are going off of one angle.”
Explaining her version of events, Everett added:
“After hitting her baton a few times, mine got stuck behind her back and rolled up. 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 stand by her, insisting she would never intentionally harm an opponent. They also revealed that they have been served court papers from Tucker’s family, who are seeking a protective order against their daughter.
The Tucker family has expressed their disappointment, stating that they are still waiting for an apology following the incident.
“They were beside us at the event,” Tucker’s family told local news. “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.”
Meanwhile, Everett has claimed she’s been willing to apologize but says Tucker has been “not receptive” and has even blocked her on social media.
In response to the incident, Tamarro, Tucker’s mother, contacted the sport’s governing body, which has since confirmed they have launched an investigation into the alleged assault.
