Viral Track Race Attack Takes a Twist as Lip Reader Reveals Shocking Words
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Lip reader reveals shocking words spoken before a track star’s viral baton strike, adding a new twist to the heated controversy.
A shocking moment at the Virginia indoor track championships has taken the internet by storm, and now, a professional lip reader has revealed what was said just before the baton-wielding blow.
During the 4x200m relay, Alaila Everett of I.C. Norcom High School was caught on camera striking Kaelen Tucker from Lynchburg’s Brookville High School in the head with her baton. As Tucker attempted to pass her on the outside, Everett appeared to swing back and make contact—sending Tucker stumbling to the ground.
Gasps echoed through the Liberty Indoor Track Complex as spectators witnessed the incident. The video quickly went viral, sparking heated debate over whether the hit was intentional or just an unfortunate accident.
Lip Reader Uncovers Key Words
Nicola Hickling, a professional lip reader, analyzed the footage and concluded that Everett appeared to say “get off” and “hey oh” in the moments leading up to the strike. However, she noted that due to the video quality, complete accuracy could not be guaranteed.
While some see this as proof of frustration, Everett has firmly denied any malicious intent.
Track star facing backlash after baton controversy speaks out! Claims video may look intentional, but it was not her intent, the other athlete was left with a concussion & a fractured skull.
Thoughts? Could it be an accident? 👀 pic.twitter.com/rEcjF1IppC
— Rain Drops Media (@Raindropsmedia1) March 10, 2025
Everett Speaks Out Amid Backlash
As online outrage grew, Everett broke down in an emotional interview, revealing that she has been receiving death threats and racial attacks following the incident.
“Nobody is going to believe me because, I admit, the video does look purposeful,” she said. “But I know my intentions, and I would never hit anybody on purpose.”
She explained that her baton got stuck behind Tucker’s back as they made contact multiple times during the race. According to Everett, when she regained her balance and moved her arm again, the baton accidentally struck Tucker in the head.
However, Tucker and her family remain unconvinced.
Tucker Demands Answers
Tucker, who was diagnosed with a concussion and a possible skull fracture, is still reeling from the shocking moment.
“I still can’t believe it. I’m in shock,” she said. “Why did you do it, and why haven’t you apologized?”
Her mother, Tamarro, expressed frustration that no one from Everett’s team came to check on her daughter after the incident.
“No apologies. No coaches. No athlete. Nothing. Even if it was an accident—which I don’t believe it was—there was no attempt to make things right,” she said.
Everett claims she did try to reach out but was blocked on social media.
Disqualified and Under Review
Meet officials ruled the incident as “contact interference” and disqualified Norcom’s relay team. Meanwhile, the Virginia High School League has confirmed they are reviewing the situation.
The drama took a legal turn when Everett’s family was served with court papers, as the Tuckers are seeking a protective order.
With both sides standing firm in their stories, the question remains—was this an intentional act of aggression or a high-speed misunderstanding? One thing is for sure: this nine-second clip has sparked a controversy that won’t be fading anytime soon.
