Lynchburg Commonwealth Law Fox News Digital confirmed by Fox News Digital A Virginia High School athletics athlete has been charged with assault and battery after seeing him slamming an enemy's head with a baton during a race.
Araila Everett, a student-athlete at IC Norcom High School, saw Brookville High School junior Karen Tucker break her baton at last week's championship tournament. Footage of the incident went viral the following day, spurring national controversy and rebellion against Everett.
Tucker was later diagnosed with a possible concussion and a skull fracture.
For sports coverage on foxnews.com, click here
Tucker and her family did not clearly say in an interview with whether to file charges against Everett following the incident. WSET ABC 13. However, the charges are now officially pushed as Everett faces one misdemeanor counting assault and battery.
Everett has since said in an interview with Wavy and “Good Morning America” that the hit was a coincidence.
Before it was announced at Everett, the Portsmouth NAACP issued a statement protecting the teen on Wednesday.
“Araira is not an attacker, and media headlines that suggest it in any way is shameful. We understand the sensitivity of the situation for both athletes and their families, but this story should not be addressed,” the statement read.
“Araira is an honorary student and star athlete at historic IC Norcom High School. From all accounts, she is an exceptional young leader and academic with a well-documented and recognized athletic talent throughout our state.
Fox News Digital reached out to Everett's family via the Portsmouth Public School District for comment.
Tucker recounted the incident in an interview with WSET ABC 13 last Friday, saying the entire section was exhausted when he watched baton bashing repeatedly.
“The whole section was breathless,” Tucker said of people around the bleachers at the station. “We had our family out of town. Her godparent was here from Myrtle Beach. Everyone was out of breath.
Female athletes do not compete. Give transgender and trans athletes default victory at Team USA Track Event
A Virginia High School track and field athlete who saw him bashing his opponent's head with a baton during a race was charged with assault and battery. (Kirby Lee-Usa Today Sports)
“She couldn't believe it was something that happened, so it was a bit hysterical.”
Everett claims the hit was caused by losing his balance and the baton “stuck” behind the opponent's back.
“After hitting her several times, my baton stuck behind her like this, and it rolled her back. I lost my balance when I pumped my arm again. Wavy. “I knew my intentions so I didn't intentionally hit anyone.”
Everett also said that she caused physical pain for Tucker, but she didn't fully empathize with Everett's own “mental” impact.
“You're physically hurt because everyone has feelings, but you're not thinking about my mind,” Everett said. “They assume my personality and call me a ghetto and racial slander, a death threat… this is all from a nine-second video.”
In an interview with Good Morning America on Wednesday, Everett and her family showed different angles in the footage and re-enacted the incident, proving that it was an accident.
Click here to get the Fox News app
Araila Everett, a student-athlete at IC Norcom High School, saw Brookville High School junior Karen Tucker break her baton at last week's championship tournament. (Kirby Lee-Usa Today Sports)
“Her arm was literally hitting the baton like this.
The Virginia High School League (VHSL) previously issued a statement to Fox News Digital on the issue.
“VHSL has not commented on individuals or disciplinary actions by FERPA,” the league statement read. “The actions taken by the tournament director to disqualify the runners were appropriate and correct. We thoroughly review all such instances with player safety with participating schools. VHSL membership always prioritizes providing student-athletes with a safe environment for competition.”
Scott Thompson of Fox News Digital contributed to this report.
Follow Fox News Digital's x Sports Coverageand subscribe Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter.
