WARNING: THE VIDEO IN THIS STORY MAY BE DIFFICULT FOR SOME TO WATCH
(KUSA/NBC) - Police in Colorado are investigating incidents involving multiple cheerleaders and their coach at a Denver high school after controversial videos surfaced.
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The investigation involves eight videos that show a recently hired cheer coach forcibly pushing girls into an extended split position at East High School.
In at least one of the videos, you hear the cheerleader cry out in pain.
The cheer coach, assistant cheer coach, high school principal, assistant principal and Denver public schools deputy general counsel have all been placed on leave.
"He was pushing like with his other knee on my back to try and keep my posture straight," said freshman cheerleader Ally Wakefield. "It was tearing my ligaments and my muscle at the same time.
In a statement Superintendent Tom Boasberg said, "We absolutely prohibit any practices that place our students' physical and mental health in jeopardy."
Courtesy: KUSA via NBC News Channel