Chad Baker-Mazara sues USC and Eric Musselman, alleging NIL pay dispute and racial remarks

Former Southern California basketball player Chad Baker-Mazara has filed a lawsuit against his university, USC, and coach Eric Musselman. The lawsuit alleges that Baker-Mazara was dismissed from the team in March following the Trojans' elimination from NCAA Tournament contention. The lawsuit claims that Musselman removed Baker-Mazara from the roster to avoid paying the remainder of his NIL contract, as well as allegedly making racially charged remarks to him following a loss to Nebraska.

Baker-Mazara, who is of Dominican descent, found the comments to be racist and discriminatory. He also alleges breach of contract, conversion, and intentional interference with prospective economic advantage. USC maintains that the decision to remove Baker-Mazara was based on multiple factors unrelated to race and that they will fight the lawsuit in court.

Baker-Mazara claims he was terminated from his NIL agreements with USC the day after he was removed from the roster, citing a "morals clause." He further states that USC has not paid him the remaining NIL earnings he was promised.