A high school track and field incident in Virginia has led to criminal charges against I.C. Norcom High School athlete Alaila Everett, who has been accused of assault and battery after an alarming event during a championship meet. The Lynchburg Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office confirmed that charges have been filed against Everett following a viral video of the incident.

Details of the Incident

During the race, footage captured Everett striking her opponent, Kaelen Tucker of Brookville High School, in the head with her baton. The event sparked widespread controversy and public outrage once the video circulated online. Subsequently, Tucker was diagnosed with a concussion and a potential skull fracture.

Legal Proceedings and Responses

Following the incident, while Tucker’s family did not immediately indicate whether they would pursue legal action, Everett is now officially facing one misdemeanor charge of assault and battery.

In her defense, Everett has described the strikes as unintentional, stating during interviews that she lost her balance which caused the baton to collide with Tucker. “I know my intentions and I would never hit someone on purpose,” she remarked during a segment on “Good Morning America.”

Community Support and Reactions

The local Portsmouth NAACP chapter released a statement on Everett’s behalf, emphasizing her positive character and achievements as a student and athlete. They further condemned the media portrayal of the incident, asserting that Everett is not an “attacker” and deserves fair treatment. “Any narrative that adjudicates her guilty of any criminal activity is a violation of her due process rights,” they stated.

Eyewitness Accounts

Eyewitnesses reported a shocked reaction from the audience. Tucker described the scene, saying, “The whole section just gasped,” as she rushed to aid her fallen competitor after witnessing the incident.

Aftermath and Ongoing Discussions

Everett has voiced concerns about the impact the event has had on her mental health, stating, “They are assuming my character, calling me ghetto and racial slurs, death threats… all of this off of a nine-second video.” The Virginia High School League (VHSL) has acknowledged the situation, stating that the meet director acted appropriately and that player safety remains a priority.