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A Virginia high school track athlete is facing charges after video showed her hitting her race opponent's head with her baton.
According to ABC News, Alaila Everett, a senior at I.C. Norcom High School in Portsmouth, is facing a misdemeanor charge of assault and battery in connection to her alleged baton attack against Kaelen Tucker, a junior from Brookville High School.
The two were competing in the 4x200-meter relay on March 4 during the Virginia State High School League Championships when Everett's baton hit Tucker's head.
Video of the incident showed Tucker grabbing her head and staggering off the track after being struck by the baton. The hit left Tucker with a concussion and a possible skull fracture.
In an interview with "Good Morning America," Everett maintained her innocence, saying the baton strike was an accident.
"I would never do that on purpose," Everett said. "That's not in my character."
During the race, Everett said her arm became stuck, and she accidently hit Tucker with the baton as they neared the corner of the track.
"Her arm was literally hitting the baton -- until she got a little ahead, and my arm got stuck like this," she said, demonstrating her movement with a baton.
Everett's family said Tucker's proximity to Everett as she tried to cut ahead caused the baton to make contact with the alleged victim.
The Virginia High School League said they're reviewing the incident.
"The VHSL membership has always made it a priority to provide student-athletes with a safe environment for competition," the league said in a statement.
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