The high school track star at the center of controversy for striking an opponent in the head with a baton said she “would never hit someone on purpose” as she grapples with “racial slurs” and “death threats” in the wake of the footage circulating online.
In an interview published Sunday by Wavy.com, I.C. Norcom High School senior Alaila Everett spoke through tears while explaining her perspective of the events, which transpired last week at the VHSL Class 3 State Indoor Championships in Virginia.
“Everybody has feelings, so you’re physically hurt, but you’re not thinking of my mental,” Everett said.
“… It’s like they’re going off of one angle.”
When competing in the 4×200 meter relay against Brookville High School junior Kaelen Tucker, Everett came close to her opponent as they rounded the curve, with her baton connecting with Tucker’s head in a clip of the now-viral scene.
Tucker ran off the track and grabbed the back of her head before being assessed by trainers.
She visited a doctor afterward and was told she had a concussion and “a possible fractured skull,” according to NBC affiliate WSLS.
Everett told Wavy.com, “I know my intentions and I would never hit someone on purpose.”
Of the ordeal with Tucker, which Everett said was an accident, she noted: “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.”
Everett, who has tried to connect with Tucker “but has been blocked on social media,” according to Wavy.com, said she’s received “death threats” in the fallout.
“They are assuming my character, calling me ‘ghetto’ and racial slurs, death threats… all of this off of a nine-second video,” she said.
I.C. Norcom High School was disqualified from the meet in the wake of the matter.
Tucker’s family told WSLS they were seeking an apology from Everett.
Her family has since been “served with court papers as the Tuckers want a protective order,” per Wavy.com.
