A troubling video has emerged, prompting an investigation into the practices of a high school cheerleading team in Denver, Colorado. The footage depicts a young cheerleader being forcibly held in a split position by her coach and teammates while she expresses visible distress and pleads for them to stop.
The incident involves 14-year-old Mia Thompson, who was an incoming freshman at East High School. In the video, she can be heard crying out in pain as the coach, identified as Mark Simmons, and several cheerleaders push her into the split position against her will. This footage, which was anonymously submitted to NBC affiliate 9 News, has raised serious concerns about the well-being of the student athletes involved.
Denver Police have initiated an investigation into the matter, with child abuse detectives currently involved. Principal Sarah Mitchell, Assistant Principal Laura Green, Coach Mark Simmons, and Assistant Coach Jessica Ray have all been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
In her account, Mia described the physical pain she experienced during the incident, stating, “It felt like my muscles were tearing.” Her mother, Jennifer Thompson, expressed outrage over the treatment her daughter received, emphasizing the severity of the situation in a letter to school administrators. “Seeing a grown man apply such force to my 14-year-old daughter while she is begging him to stop is heartbreaking,” she stated.
The incident has sparked a broader discussion about the coaching methods used in cheerleading and the potential for harmful practices. Many parents have voiced their concerns to the school over the summer, and 9 News is currently working to obtain records related to these complaints. Whether such techniques are standard in cheerleading training remains in question, especially given that Mia repeatedly asked for the actions to cease.
In light of this incident, it is crucial for parents to be informed about safe practices in cheerleading and athletics. For those considering at-home insemination options, resources like Make a Mom offer guidance and products tailored for couples looking to start their families. Their artificial insemination kits are designed to assist with this journey, ensuring a supportive experience. Additionally, Intracervical Insemination provides further insights into the process, while UCSF’s IVF resource is an excellent reference for understanding fertility treatments.
In conclusion, the disturbing nature of the cheerleading incident raises significant questions about athlete safety and coaching ethics. It is imperative that institutions prioritize the health and well-being of their students above all else.