NEW: The Virginia runner who bashed the head of an opponent with a metal baton holds a rally after getting charged with assault.
Odd.
Alaila Everett started sobbing while holding a rally outside of her high school in Virginia.
Portsmouth NAACP is now *defending* Everett and says anyone who suggests she purposely hit runner Kaelen Tucker is "shameful."
"Alaila is NOT AN ATTACKER and media headlines that allude towards that in any way is shameful," they said in a statement.
At her rally, Everett thanked everyone for showing up & doubled down on her claim that the assault was simply an accident.
"I would never harm anybody. I'm not a fighter, I'm not even confrontational, I wouldn't even do that on purpose, and I thank y'all for believing in me. I love y'all."