Runner Denies Intentional Baton Strike, Cites New Footage
A viral video from the Virginia State High School League Championships appeared to show runner Alaila Everett hitting Kaelen Tucker in the head with a baton. Tucker suffered a concussion and a potential skull fracture.
Everett denied wrongdoing, telling WAVY-TV 10: “I would never hit somebody on purpose.” She explained, “I got stuck behind her back… I lost my balance, and when I pumped my arms again, she got hit.”
Her family claims new footage shows Tucker running too closely, leading to the collision. Everett insists the video proves her innocence.
See it here: