Treasure Hunter Sues USC, Coach Eric Musselman Over Beach Altercation

Treasure hunter Gary Gosnell has filed a lawsuit against USC and men's basketball head coach Eric Musselman, alleging the coach's actions during a beach confrontation on Sept. 13 caused him significant emotional and physical harm. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles, claims Gosnell suffered "severe emotional and psychological distress" and a "significant deterioration of his health" following the incident.

The confrontation occurred around 10:30 a.m. in Manhattan Beach. According to the lawsuit, Gosnell was using a metal detector near a USC men's basketball team photoshoot when an assistant coach, identified as Will Conroy, demanded he move. Gosnell stated he was only passing through and would move once he finished, asserting his right to be on the public beach.

The lawsuit alleges that Conroy then threatened Gosnell before Musselman approached him, shouting profanities and getting close to Gosnell's face. Gosnell claims Musselman told him to "shut the f—k up," called him a "f—king d—head," and threatened him, saying "somebody should f—king drop you."

Gosnell stated in the suit that he feared for his safety because he felt unable to defend himself against the coaches and athletes. The lawsuit notes that Gosnell, 57, has a history of medical issues, including three spine surgeries, a knee surgery, and four foot surgeries, and holds a disabled person parking placard. He also described himself as a former correctional officer who has experienced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The suit claims the coaches only backed away after Gosnell informed them he was recording the encounter. Gosnell alleges that Musselman and Conroy's actions triggered a resurgence and aggravation of his PTSD symptoms, including extreme fear, nightmares, hypervigilance, and a fear of returning to the beach or encountering individuals in USC apparel.

USC is also named as a defendant in the lawsuit. Gosnell's legal team contends that the university knew or should have known about Musselman's alleged propensity for hostile outbursts and that this created a risk of intimidation towards others. The suit seeks compensatory and punitive damages, attorney's fees, and court costs.

Musselman previously acknowledged the incident after video footage was published, stating, "I know the responsibilities that come with my role, and while I was trying to step in and support my coach, I definitely should have handled this situation better and will learn from this for the future."

USC and a representative for Musselman did not immediately respond to requests for comment.