DENVER - The cheerleading coach fired from Denver East High School for forcing teens into splits was at East High two weeks ago.
Ozell Williams said he went to Denver East recently to take part in a documentary being done by one of his former cheerleaders in an effort to clear his name.
An East High student and former cheerleader, Aaliyah Ali, accompanied Williams to his 9NEWS interview and said she was the student who invited him on school grounds.
She said Williams never hurt her or other teammates.
"So I just wanted to get our side of the story out," said the 18-year-old.
But the parents who say their daughters were physically and emotionally traumatized when Williams forced them into splits say they were horrified to hear he was in the school he was fired from.
They were under the impression he was banned. Denver Public Schools later confirmed he is not banned, and do not call him a safety threat.
The attorney representing five of the cheerleaders sent an emailed statement to 9NEWS about the incident.
"We question the motivations of any adult who so desperately wants to hang out at a high school, even after repeatedly being informed to stay away," said Qusair Mohamedbhai. "We would ask Mr. Williams to permanently stay away from East High School."
Williams said he was signed in at the front desk and didn't believe he was doing anything wrong.
He still stands by his split techniques, and said the girls in the videos that caused national outrage were "faking it."
"It's a split, it's what you do to become an athlete," the 29-year-old said.
An investigation into the forced splits led to the school to fire Williams. Former Principal Andy Mendelsberg retired. Assistant Principal Lisa Porter who was working as the athletic director resigned. Five other assistant principals were disciplined.
