Virginia High School Runner Charged After Baton Incident During Relay Race

Alaila Everett faces assault and battery charges following a viral video showing her striking competitor Kaelen Tucker, who sustained a concussion and possible skull fracture.

The incident occurred on March 4 during the 4x200-meter relay at the Virginia State High School League Championships at Liberty University.
Video footage shows Everett striking Tucker in the head with a baton, leading to Tucker's immediate withdrawal from the race and subsequent medical diagnosis of a concussion and possible skull fracture.
Everett claims the baton strike was accidental, citing loss of balance and close contact with Tucker during the race, while Tucker and her family question the explanation.
The I.C. Norcom High School team was disqualified from the race, and Everett has faced online harassment, including racial slurs and death threats, since the video went viral.
The Virginia High School League and local authorities are investigating the incident, and Everett has been charged with a misdemeanor count of assault and battery.