USC men’s basketball head coach Eric Musselman is accused of launching a “profanity-laced, racially-charged post-game locker room tirade” against star player Chad Baker-Mazara last season, according to a lawsuit filed by Baker-Mazara in Los Angeles on Monday. The lawsuit claims that shortly before Baker-Mazara’s dismissal from the Trojans in March, Musselman directed the outburst at him following USC’s Feb. 28 home game against Nebraska.
According to the suit, after Baker-Mazara played 19 minutes and exited the game with an injury, Musselman became incensed in the locker room. When Baker-Mazara attempted to speak to his teammates, Musselman allegedly screamed, “You shut the f—k up! You are one of the worst teammates anyone can ever have!”
Baker-Mazara responded by asking if he should leave, stating he didn’t understand the “animosity.” The lawsuit claims Musselman then told him, “Yes, leave! Go back to the f—king Dominican Republic! Nobody wants you here!! F—k you!”
The lawsuit asserts that the phrase “Go back to the f—king Dominican Republic” was understood by Baker-Mazara, who has Dominican heritage, as a racist and discriminatory remark, comparable to telling an African-American to “go back to Africa.” The suit describes the outburst as “a direct attack on Baker-Mazara’s national origin and Dominican heritage, made from a position of authority and power.”
The day after the alleged incident, Baker-Mazara was dismissed from the team. The lawsuit states that USC did not investigate the matter or interview Baker-Mazara or his teammates before his dismissal, nor was he provided with a reason for his termination from the team.
Baker-Mazara, who joined USC before the 2025-26 season after transferring from Auburn, also alleges that USC failed to make a promised NIL payment. He claims the university intended to withhold payment if the team’s NCAA Tournament hopes were dashed. Following his dismissal, USC reportedly attempted to terminate his NIL agreements by citing a “morals clause,” which the lawsuit argues is vague, overbroad, and unenforceable, serving as a pretext to avoid payment.
The lawsuit further claims that the conduct of USC and Musselman damaged Baker-Mazara’s NBA draft stock and cost him other professional opportunities. He is seeking damages for breach of contract, conversion, and intentional interference with prospective economic advantage, among other claims. Baker-Mazara was not selected in the 2026 NBA Draft and is expected to play professionally in Puerto Rico.
USC has not yet commented on the allegations.