Denver cheerleader forced into splits by coach says she's being cyber bullied for speaking up

DENVER -- (KDVR) -- A Denver high school cheerleader who spoke up about alleged abuse at the hands of her cheer coach says she's now being cyber bullied for coming forward.

Ally Wakefield took videos of herself and other girls forced into the splits. The video shows girls yelling in pain as their cheer coach, Ozell Williams, continues to push on them.

"He told us it was normal so I just figured, so be it," Wakefield told KDVR.

After practice, Wakefield showed her mom Kirsten Wakefield the videos. Her mom was horrified and contacted school administrators repeatedly, starting in June.

"These girls are 13 to 17 and this is a crucial developmental stage for them and what kind of message we are sending if we tell them it is alright for an adult to abuse you while you're screaming 'no stop,' and not be able to do anything about it or speak up and not have any recourse," said Kirsten Wakefield.

Cheerleaders met with Denver police investigators and medical examiners Thursday night to review the incident and document any physical and mental trauma. Police are investigating this as possible child abuse.

Kirsten Wakefield said investigators told her during Thursday's meeting, they are shocked school administrators knew about this in June and did not contact police immediately.

"I am saddened and disheartened that it came to this point but at least something is happening. We just want to make sure this man doesn't injure or mentally hurt another child," said Kirsten Wakefield.

"The world is a scary place and the people you think you can trust, you can't always and that you just have to be conscious of who you are with and just trust your gut feeling," said Ally Wakefield.

Kirsten Wakefield said doctors believe Ally Wakefield tore muscle tissue and may have pulled her hamstring.

Ally Wakefield said since speaking up, she's been cyber bullied online -- bullies have told her to kill herself and tried to discredit her injuries.

Still, Ally Wakefield said she's glad she's speaking up, hoping it helps other cheerleaders experiencing the same thing.