Denver high school cheerleaders being forced to perform splits, as captured on video, has prompted a police investigation and some school staff were put on leave.
NBC affiliate, KUSA, released video footage showing several cheerleaders at East High School forced into the splits by a coach.
One video clip showed a teen girl surrounded by her teammates at cheer camp, appearing to yell out in pain while the school’s cheerleading coach, Ozell Williams, holds her by the shoulders and appears to be forcing her into the split position.
That video was just one in a series that raised concerns, “9Wants to Know” and sister source USA Today Sports said. The two reported on Thursday that police were investigating.
Other cheer team members reportedly recorded similar things via their cell phones, and submitted them this month.
Since the footage emerged, it was reported that several members of the schools’ administration and coaching staff were gone pending investigations.
Denver Public Schools Superintendent Tom Boasberg referred to the video content as “extremely distressing,” adding that it was in contravention to the public school community’s core values.
“We absolutely prohibit any practices that place our students’ physical and mental health in jeopardy,” he said.
“We do not and will not allow any situation in which a student is forced to perform an activity or exercise beyond the point at which they express their desire to stop.”
Boasberg announced an interim principal for the school, further confirming that various members of its staff had at least been put on leave.
“This is standard practice in an investigation of this type and does not imply or prejudge in any way the actions of the individuals or what the investigation might determine.”
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