Virginia Track Star Charged After Baton Incident Leaves Competitor Injured

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — A high school track athlete is facing misdemeanor charges following an incident that left a competitor injured during a relay race on March 4, 2025.

Alaila Everett, a senior at I.C. Norcom High School, was charged with assault and battery after video footage showed her accidentally striking Kaelen Tucker, a junior from Brookville High School, in the head with her baton during the 4×200-meter relay at the Virginia State High School League Championships held at Liberty University in Lynchburg.

Bethany Harrison, the commonwealth’s attorney for Lynchburg, confirmed the charges in a statement to ABC News earlier this week. The video of the incident quickly went viral, drawing national attention and controversy surrounding both athletes involved.

As seen in the footage, Tucker appeared to stagger and reach for her head after the baton struck her. Medical personnel attended to her, and she was later diagnosed with a concussion, according to her statements to ABC affiliate WSET.

“I was so in disbelief,” Tucker said in an interview with WVEC. “I didn’t know what happened.”

Everett contended that the collision was accidental, asserting her innocence during an appearance on “Good Morning America.” “I would never do that on purpose,” she said. Everett explained that her arm got stuck as she ran and inadvertently hit Tucker while rounding the track’s corner.

“After a couple times of hitting her, my baton got stuck behind her back,” Everett explained. “I lost my balance when I pumped my arms again.”

The Everett family provided a video that they believe demonstrates Tucker’s proximity during the race contributed to the collision. “We believe she was running too close,” they stated, emphasizing that the event was unfortunate but unintentional.

In a response to the incident, Tucker’s parents received an apology from the athletic director at I.C. Norcom and Everett’s father during a phone conversation. Meanwhile, the Virginia High School League is conducting a review of the incident, reaffirming its commitment to athlete safety.

“The VHSL membership has always made it a priority to provide student-athletes with a safe environment for competition,” the organization stated.

Local community organizations, such as the Portsmouth NAACP, have also expressed their support for Everett, condemning the racial slurs and death threats directed towards her family following the incident. “We are committed to ensuring that the criminal justice system is executed fairly,” the NAACP stated, urging for the charges against Everett to be dismissed.

According to the statements from Everett’s family, she has faced significant emotional distress since the incident. “Everybody is assuming my character, calling me ghetto and racial slurs,” she stated, referring to the backlash she has received online.

Tucker and her family have expressed a desire for an apology from Everett but have not commented on whether they will press charges. As the situation develops, both families appear to be seeking resolution amidst the controversy.

The incident has sparked debate about safety and accountability in high school athletics, particularly concerning the actions of both competitors. “In a race involving a curve where lanes are not specified, it’s essential to maintain a safe distance,” said an official familiar with racing rules.