# USC basketball racial abuse and NIL lawsuit > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/usc-basketball-racial-abuse-and-nil-lawsuit > Updated: 2026-09-17T01:27:28.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 2. Former University of Southern California (USC) basketball player Chad Baker-Mazara has filed a lawsuit against the university and head coach Eric Musselman in Los Angeles Superior Court. The complaint alleges that following a loss to Nebraska in February, Musselman directed a “profanity-laced, racially-charged post-game locker room tirade” at Baker-Mazara, including the remark, “Go back to the f—ing Dominican Republic!” Baker-Mazara further claims he was dismissed from the team in March to avoid the university paying the remainder of his Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) contract via a “morals clause.” USC has denied the allegations of racial bias, stating the roster decision was based on “a number of considerations, none having to do with race.” Amid the legal proceedings, Musselman has also faced scrutiny regarding a separate verbal altercation with a metal detectorist in Manhattan Beach, California. Musselman issued an apology regarding that incident, stating, “I know the responsibilities that come with my role, and while I was trying to step in to support my coach, I definitely should have handled this situation better.” ## Timeline ### 2026-09-17: USC coach Eric Musselman apologizes for altercation amid player lawsuit USC basketball coach Eric Musselman has apologized for a verbal altercation with a treasure hunter in Manhattan Beach amid a separate lawsuit from former player Chad Baker-Mazara alleging a racially-charged tir 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/usc-coach-eric-musselman-apologizes-for-altercation-amid-player-lawsuit ### 2026-09-15: USC basketball player sues coach over alleged racial abuse and NIL dispute Former USC basketball player Chad Baker-Mazara is suing the university and coach Eric Musselman, alleging racial abuse and a breach of contract regarding NIL payments. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chad-baker-mazara-sues-usc-and-coach-eric-musselman --- Cite as: USC basketball racial abuse and NIL lawsuit. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/usc-basketball-racial-abuse-and-nil-lawsuit