'Tough love' coaching style prompts abuse concerns on Stanford's water polo team

Stanford University launched a second investigation into its men's water polo coach, Brian Flacks .

One faction says the battle is about abuse, retaliation and demands for loyalty.

Another faction blames the controversy on parental interference, players' dissatisfaction over playing time.

The battle over Flacks ' coaching style centers on what constitutes "tough love" versus "toxic" behavior.

ESPN reached out to nearly four dozen people and spoke with 25 to learn about the disputes that have torn the team apart.

Several defenders of Flacks called his style "intense" and compared the coach to Nick Saban .

Seven current and former players or their families confirmed to ESPN that they raised issues with Stanford about Flacks' coaching style.

Stanford water polo coach John Flacks is accused of retaliation against him.

Players say he ignored them during practice, told some to transfer to another school or see reduced playing time.

Two players quit the team after the investigation was complete, players say.