A high school athlete, Alaila Everett, has been charged with assault and battery after a viral video showed her hitting another runner, Kaelen Tucker, in the head with a track baton during a state championship meet. The incident occurred last week, leaving Tucker with a concussion and potentially a fractured skull.
Everett claims the incident was an accident, stating that Tucker’s arm was in her way and she lost her balance. However, the viral footage has led to online harassment and death threats against Everett.
The Portsmouth NAACP issued a statement defending Everett, describing her as “an honor student and a star athlete” with a good track record. A USA Track and Field official also commented on the incident, emphasizing that it was tragic but accidental.
Everett attempted to reach out to Tucker after the news broke, but was blocked on Instagram. Both athletes are now seeking to move forward from the incident and foster understanding amidst the online chaos.
Source: https://www.wtkr.com/news/in-the-community/portsmouth/track-runner-charged-with-assault-after-viral-incident-naacp-disputes