The high school athlete at the center of controversy for striking an opponent in the head with a baton said she “would never hit someone on purpose” as viral footage of the ordeal

Alaila Everett, who attacked a runner with a baton, says a different angle proves that what she did was not intentional.

A high school track meet in Virginia turned chaotic when Brookville High junior Kaelen Tucker was struck in the head with a baton during a 4×400 meter relay final. Despite clear video footage, the runner responsible tearfully denied any intentional wrongdoing.