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Virginia High School Track Incident Leads to Assault Charge
A Virginia high school track athlete is now facing a misdemeanour charge of assault and battery after a troubling incident during a relay race. The event occurred on March 4 at Liberty University in Lynchburg, involving Brookville High School junior Kaelen Tucker during the 4×200-metre relay.
Footage of the incident, which has circulated on social media, reveals Tucker seizing a baton from a teammate before she overtakes her competitor, Alaila Everett, a runner from IC Norcom High School. In the video, Everett’s baton appears to unintentionally strike Tucker on the back of her head.
Bethany Harrison, the commonwealth’s attorney for Lynchburg, verified to ABC News that Everett has been charged in connection with the incident.
As a result of the clash, Tucker underwent medical evaluation and was diagnosed with a concussion and a probable skull fracture. Following the event, Everett reached out to WAVY TV 10, expressing remorse over the situation. She asserted that the hit was accidental and attributed it to a loss of balance.
“I can picture how it looks from the video, but my intention was never to hurt anyone,” she stated in her interview, underscoring that her actions were not premeditated.
In her explanation, Everett mentioned that her baton became wedged against Tucker, which resulted in the unintended contact when she regained her footing. She emphasized that since the video spread online, she has faced extensive criticism on social media, including harsh language and threats. “People are making judgments based on just a nine-second clip, assuming my character. It’s been tough,” she remarked.
The Portsmouth NAACP has indicated its awareness of the situation and the subsequent backlash Everett has received, including the “racial slurs and death threats” aimed at her and her family. They have stated that they are reviewing the incident thoroughly.
In a statement, the organization expressed concern with the notion that Everett is being portrayed as an attacker, stating, “We believe it is crucial to ensure that the criminal justice system is applied fairly and based on fact.” They reinforced the narrative that Everett should not be solely judged based on this incident.
Additionally, they highlighted that Everett is an honor student and a respected athlete. “She has consistently excelled in her academics and sports,” they noted, asserting that any implication of wrongdoing is unfair and violates her rights.
The Tucker family has indicated that they are in communication with the Virginia High School League (VHSL) regarding the incident and confirmed that the league is conducting an investigation, with cooperation from both schools involved. A statement from the VHSL acknowledged their commitment to player safety but refrained from commenting on specific individuals involved.
Tucker’s mother, Tamarrow, shared insight into the family’s perspective on pursuing further legal action, stating, “While my daughter was indeed struck, we must also consider the other family involved.”
Meanwhile, Everett’s family has reported that they have received legal papers regarding a protective order sought by the Tuckers. Everett’s father, Genoa, expressed frustration over the situation, emphasizing the community’s negative response towards them.
Source
globalnews.ca