Runner who 'attacked' opponent with baton officially charged as authorities confirm decision
A American student who appeared to 'attack' her racing opponent with a baton has now officially been charged following the shocking incident.
Last week, shocking footage that appeared to show sprinter Alaila Everett strike her opponent with a baton during a 4x200-metre relay race in the American state of Virginia emerged online.
Having been hit with the baton, Kaelen Tucker immediately fell to the ground having suffered a "slight concussion" and a suspected potential skull fracture during the incident.
And now, the American authorities have made official decision regarding the incident and Everett's punishment has been revealed.
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After reviewing several different camera angles and other pieces of evidence, a report from ABC News, has confirmed that the Lynchburg Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, has charged that Everett with misdemeanour assault and battery.
The Portsmouth National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is also said to be looking into the incident.
Before details of the charged that Everett would face were announced, the Portsmouth NAACP released a statement defending the embattled teen on Wednesday.
"Alaila is NOT AN ATTACKER and media headlines that allude towards that in any way is shameful. We understand the sensitivity of the circumstances for both athletes and their families involved but this narrative must not go unaddressed," the statement read.
"Alaila is an honor student and a star athlete at the historic I.C. Norcom High School. From all accounts, she is an exceptional young leader and scholar whose athletic talent has been well documented and recognized across our state.
"She has carried herself with integrity both on and off the field and any narrative that adjudicates her guilty of any criminal activity is a violation of her due process rights."
What has Alaila Everett said about the incident?
Once footage of the moment went viral online, Everett spoke with media to deny any wrongdoing and insist that hitting her fellow sprinter was completely accidental.
Speaking to WAVY-TV 10, she said: "After a couple times of hitting [Tucker] 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."
She further insisted: "I know my intentions and I would never hit somebody on purpose."
"Everybody has feelings, so you’re physically hurt, but you’re not thinking of my mental.
"They are assuming my character, calling me ghetto and racial slurs, death threats… all of this off of a nine-second video."
Topics: Athletics
Ben McCrum