VIRGINIA, United States — The high school athlete in the United States who appeared to have hit her competitor with a baton during a 4×200 metre race, an act she claims was accidental, is now facing an assault and battery charge for the incident.

Alaila Everett, of IC Norcom High School in Portsmouth, Virginia has been charged with misdemeanour, according to the Lynchburg Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office as reported by WAVY TV 10 News.

Everett had broken her silence recently stating that she had been facing racial slurs and death threats for “losing her balance” and “accidently” hitting Brookville High School junior Kaelen Tucker, who claimed she has since been diagnosed with a concussion and possible skull fracture.

Norcom was disqualified after the race.

READ: US high school track star faces heat after hitting opponent in head with baton

Now, the Portsmouth arm of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) has come to Everett’s defense.

According to WAVY TV 10 News, Portsmouth NAACP in a March 12 statement wrote in all caps, “Alaila is NOT AN ATTACKER” while blasting the media for portraying her as such. The statement also condemned racial slurs and threats directed at the athlete.

Meanwhile, the NAACP extended prayers for both the runners and their families and noted the possibility of criminal charges, calling it “concerning” and “unwarranted”, the report said.

Everett’s family has since received court papers as the Tuckers seek a protective order and demanded an apology from the athlete.