The highschool observe star on the heart of controversy for putting an opponent within the head with a baton mentioned she “would never hit someone on purpose” as she grapples with “racial slurs” and “death threats” within the wake of the footage circulating on-line.
In an interview printed Sunday by Wavy.com, I.C. Norcom Excessive College senior Alaila Everett spoke by means of tears whereas explaining her perspective of the occasions, which transpired final week on 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 mentioned.
“… It’s like they’re going off of one angle.”
When competing within the 4×200 meter relay in opposition to Brookville Excessive College junior Kaelen Tucker, Everett got here near her opponent as they rounded the curve, along with her baton connecting with Tucker’s head in a clip of the now-viral scene.
Tucker ran off the observe and grabbed the again of her head earlier than being assessed by trainers.
She visited a health care provider afterward and was advised she had a concussion and “a possible fractured skull,” based on NBC affiliate WSLS.
Everett advised Wavy.com, “I know my intentions and I would never hit someone on purpose.”
Of the ordeal with Tucker, which Everett mentioned was an accident, she famous: “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 attach with Tucker “but has been blocked on social media,” based on Wavy.com, mentioned she’s acquired “death threats” within 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 mentioned.
I.C. Norcom Excessive College was disqualified from the meet within the wake of the matter.
Tucker’s household advised WSLS they have been looking for an apology from Everett.
Her household has since been “served with court papers as the Tuckers want a protective order,” per Wavy.com.
