Who Is Odell Williams? Denver Cheerleading Coach Forced Cheerleaders Into Splits

A Denver cheerleading coach is under investigation Friday for allegedly forcing cheerleaders into painful splits, according to People. Video of the forced splits incident from East High School's cheer camp in June went viral. At least half-dozen school officials have been placed on leave as a result.

Ozell Williams, 28, is the coach behind the strenuous training practice. Williams has reportedly come under fire for forcing cheerleaders into splits before. The coach was removed from his position as a cheerleading consultant at Boulder High School in 2016. However, an investigation wasn't launched into his alleged actions until August.

Denver Public Schools (DPS) does not condone the extreme methods used by Williams, according to Denver Public Schools superintendent Tom Boasberg. DPS plans to comply with the Denver Police Department in its investigation.

"I want to thank our community for your concern for the safety and well-being of our students," Boasberg said on the school's website. "Please know we are supporting the Denver Police in the investigation of these allegations and we are doing all that we can to support our students and families at East and throughout the district."

Boasberg added, "We have sent notification to our athletic directors emphasizing that DPS does not allow the use of 'forced splits' or any other activity that puts a student’s physical or mental health at risk, or in which a student is forced to perform an exercise beyond the point at which they express their desire to stop.'"

The viral video footage shows an incoming freshman cheerleader surrounded by her teammates as she's being forced into the split position by Williams, who was newly-hired. Ally Wakefield, the incoming freshman, repeatedly asked for Williams to "please stop" as she cried. Williams continued to push Wakefield further down by pressing on her shoulders.

Williams was placed on leave alongside assistant cheer coach Mariah Cladis, assistant principal and athletic director Lisa Porter, principal Andy Mendelsberg and DPS deputy general counsel Michael Huckman, according to the Denver Post.

The cheer coach, who is the owner of youth program Mile High Tumblers Foundation, allegedly lied about his qualifications. Williams claimed on his company's website to be an Olympian "having won 3 Team USA First place rings in preliminary games." However, a spokesman for the U.S. Olympic Committee confirmed that "Williams was never on any Olympic roster," according to Fox-affiliated station KDVR.

Williams also allegedly fabricated the details of his involvement with the Denver Broncos. Broncos spokesman Patrick Smyth asserted that the claims made on Williams' website are false. Smyth claimed Williams previously "oversaw the tumblers who performed on game day until we ended that contracted arrangement," he said, but Williams was "was never an employee of the organization."

Parents have reportedly made complaints about Williams' coaching methods, according to NBC-affiliate KUSA. Complaints from parents were also directed towards school administrators.

DPD's child abuse detectives began investigating the complaints immediately after being alerted to the incident by an anonymous source.

Follow me on Twitter @dory_jackson