High school runner who smacked rival’s head with baton breaks silence but Internet is unwilling to listen

PORTSMOUTH, VIRGINIA: Young female athlete Alaila Everett has finally broken her silence following a shocking incident at the VHSL Class 3 State Indoor Championships. 

In a viral video, Everett appears to strike her opponent, Kaelen Tucker, in the head with her baton during the 4x200 meter relay on Friday, March 7, leaving Tucker injured.

After being struck by the baton, Tucker, a junior at Brookville High School, staggered off the track, holding her head, before collapsing to the ground as the shocked crowd gasped. Reports indicate that she sustained a concussion and may have suffered a skull fracture from the incident.

The incident has sparked widespread attention and raised questions, prompting Everett to speak out for the first time.

Alaila Everett says she would 'never hit someone on purpose'

According to FoxNews8, Alaila Everett explained that there's more to the viral video than what initially meets the eye. 

"Everybody has feelings, so you’re physically hurt, but you’re not thinking of my mental," she shared. 

The track star, a senior at IC Norcom High School, never expected her trip to the Championships to take such a drastic turn. Expressing her frustration, Everett said, "It’s like they are going off of one angle." 

She then offered a detailed explanation of what really happened during the race when she and her opponent nearly collided while rounding a curve. "After a couple times of hitting her, my baton got stuck behind her back like this, and it rolled up her back. I lost my balance when I pumped my arms again. She got hit." 

She emphasized that the incident was purely accidental, stating, "I know my intentions and I would never hit someone on purpose."

Everett also shared, “They are assuming my character, calling me ghetto and racial slurs, death threats… all of this off of a nine second video.”

Her parents are equally upset by the backlash their daughter is receiving on social media. Zeketa Cost, Everett's mother, expressed, "I didn’t have to see a first video, second video or tenth video. I know 100 percent that she would never do that to nobody."

Everett’s father, Genoa, voiced his frustration over the family receiving court papers after the Tucker family filed for a protective order. He said, “It doesn’t seem right that this is happening, and now we have to travel three hours to a city where everyone already hates us.”

Internet takes Alaila Everett's response to incident with pinch of salt

Watch the video of the race here. 

As Alaila Everett's response video circulated online, many social media users refused to buy her explanation and were quick to share their views.

One user wrote, "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. Smdh." 

Another wrote, "This generation is cooked. The lack of accountability is incredible."

One individual shared, "“You’re physically hurt but you’re not thinking about my mental”….self absorbed little fool. Accident or not, you’re not the victim fool!!" 

A user slammed, "She assaulted her and kept running.  Her parents are not helping her daughter by NOT making her accountable. Charge her with assault!"

A user questioned, "If it was an accident why didnt she stop and check on her?"

"Just because of a 9 second video? Girl you injured another person. And it looked very intentional. Disgusting," chided another.

What did officials say about incident involving Kaelen Tucker and Alaila Everett?

The IC Norcom High School team was ultimately disqualified after the incident, a decision that did not go down well with Vincent Pugh, the former Citywide Athletic Director for Portsmouth Public Schools. 

He questioned the fairness of the disqualification, noting that a play-by-play analysis showed Turner was running very close to Everett. 

Pugh explained, “If a person comes up on the outside, they got to be a full stride ahead of me before they can cut in front of me." 

Mike McCall, the Director of Communications for the Virginia High School League, addressed the situation with '10 On Your Side', saying, "We don’t comment on individuals or disciplinary actions. I can tell you that the actions taken by the meet director were appropriate and correct. We are still reviewing the situation but that’s all I have for you right now. It’s a serious issue especially when it involves the safety of athletes in competitions.” 

Meanwhile, Lauren Nolasco, Portsmouth Public Schools' Director of Communications, issued a statement saying, "The division immediately reported the incident to the Virginia High School League (VHSL), which is still investigating. We are cooperating with the VSHL in its work. The division will support and follow the ruling that comes from the VHSL upon its completed investigation.”

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