A viral video from a high school track meet on March 4 showed Brookville High School sprinter Kaelen Tucker being struck in the head with a baton during the 4×200 meter relay at Liberty University, Virginia.
Tucker suffered a concussion and a possible skull fracture after being hit by Alaila Everett of I.C. Norcom High School. Many online accused Everett of intentionally attacking her opponent.
Everett, however, insists the hit was accidental. Speaking to WAVYTV10 through tears, she said, “After a couple times of hitting her with my baton, I got stuck behind her back like this and it 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.”