Los Angeles – Former University of Southern California men’s basketball player Chad Baker‑Mazara filed a lawsuit on Monday in Los Angeles Superior Court against the university and head coach Eric Musselman. The complaint alleges that the coach dismissed Baker‑Mazara from the roster on March 1, shortly after the Trojans were eliminated from NCAA Tournament contention, in order to avoid paying the remainder of his name, image and likeness (NIL) contract.
Allegations of racial harassment and contract breach
The 26‑year‑old guard, who hails from the Dominican Republic, says Musselman directed a profane, racially charged tirade toward him in the locker room after a 82‑67 loss to 12th‑ranked Nebraska on Feb. 28. According to the 16‑page filing, Musselman shouted, “You shut the (expletive) up! You are one of the worst teammates anyone can ever have!” and later told Baker‑Mazara, “Yes, leave! Go back to the f—— Dominican Republic! Nobody wants you here!! F— you!”
Baker‑Mazara contends those remarks constitute discrimination based on his national origin and that the university never provided a formal reason for his dismissal. He also claims USC terminated his NIL agreements the day after he was removed, citing a “morals clause,” and has not paid the promised NIL earnings.
USC’s response
In a statement to NBC Los Angeles, the university said the decision to remove the student‑athlete “was based on a number of considerations, none having to do with race.” USC added that it intends to “defeat this action in court.”
Background on Baker‑Mazara’s college career
Baker‑Mazara averaged 18.5 points per game as USC’s second‑leading scorer last season, starting 22 of 26 games. He was the MVP of the Maui Invitational, which the Trojans won in November. Prior to USC, he played at Duquesne, transferred to San Diego State where he earned Mountain West Conference Sixth Man of the Year honors, spent a season at Northwest Florida State College, and then two seasons at Auburn, helping the Tigers reach the 2025 Final Four.
He was not selected in this year’s NBA draft and remains a free agent.
Legal claims
The lawsuit lists breach of contract, conversion, and intentional interference with prospective economic advantage as causes of action. It does not specify a monetary amount sought.
“I gave everything I had to USC. I played through injuries, showed up for my teammates every day, and honored my commitments,” Baker‑Mazara said in a statement to the Associated Press. “Filing this lawsuit was not an easy decision, but I believe it is important to stand up for what you were promised and what you are owed.”
Implications for NIL and college athletics
The case arrives amid ongoing debates over how universities handle NIL agreements and the rights of student‑athletes. If the court finds that USC improperly terminated the contract, it could set a precedent for how schools manage NIL compensation when a player is removed from a roster.
For now, the lawsuit moves forward in Los Angeles Superior Court, and both parties have indicated they will vigorously defend their positions.
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
