Alternative footage shows new angle of high school runner striking opponent’s head with baton during race

LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA: A new video angle has emerged, adding a fresh perspective to the controversial baton strike incident at the Virginia High School League (VHSL) Class 3 State Indoor Championships on March 3.

The viral clip, which showed athlete Alaila Everett appearing to hit competitor Kaelen Tucker on the head with a baton during a 4x200m relay race, has sparked heated debate, as reported by Ladbible.

New footage sparks debate over viral relay race incident

Kaelen Tucker, 16, later revealed she suffered a concussion from the encounter. "As we were coming up in the middle of the curve, we were bumping arms a lot," she told WSET ABC 13 on March 7. "When I finally pushed through to get in front of her, that’s when she hit me in the head with the baton."

Everett, however, insists the hit was purely accidental. In a new interview with WAVYTV10 on March 10, she explained, "After a couple times of hitting her with my baton, I got stuck behind her back and (the baton) 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."

The newly released footage, showing the incident from behind, appears to support Everett’s claim that the contact was an unfortunate result of close racing rather than an intentional act.

Despite this, the backlash against Everett has been intense. "They're assaulting my character, calling me ghetto, racist slurs, death threats, all of this, just because of a nine-second video," she said, describing the toll the controversy has taken on her mental health.

Everett claimed she attempted to contact Tucker on social media but found herself blocked. However, Tucker's family disputes that Everett or her coach ever reached out.

"To see that they (Everett) kept on running and she (did) not stop and check on my daughter, I was like it couldn't have been an accident," said Tucker’s mother, Tamarro, in an interview with Good Morning America.

Alaila Everett sparks online debate after sharing her side of story

Alaila Everett has become the center of heated online discussions after speaking out about a recent incident during a track event. While she insists that she "lost her balance," YouTube users are calling for accountability, arguing that the footage tells a different story.

Many users were quick to criticize Everett’s explanation. "This generation is cooked. The lack of accountability is incredible," one person wrote.

Another added, "She didn't lose her balance she lost her temper. They really jumped out in front of this and complained that they gotta drive a ways to face consequences. The parents not even showing accountability. Easy to see where the daughter got it from."

Former athletes also weighed in, challenging her claim, "As a former track runner, you cannot say that you lost your balance when you clearly wound up your arm to hit someone in the head. And the fact that you didn’t stop to check on the person. "

Many were frustrated not only with Everett’s response but also with her parents’ reaction. "She assaulted her and kept running. Her parents are not helping her daughter by NOT making her accountable. Charge her with assault!" one user demanded.

Others found her remarks particularly concerning. "Did she really say that?? "You're physically hurt, but you're not thinking about my mentality?!" Young girl and her parents are messed up. Charges should be filed. And that comment should be used against her in court. Unbelievable," a commenter wrote.

Another commented, "You and your parents are lying. Look at the feet of the girl you hit. She’s not in your lane. Then after you raised your arm and hit her in the head you began flailing your arms like that was your running style. You’re guilty and you need to stop making excuses for your self, apologize immediately, get anger management therapy, and get out of sports before you hurt someone else."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.