Osa Masina, USC’s back-up weakside linebacker, has been suspended from this Saturday’s season-opener against Alabama for what the Trojans’s athletic department is deeming “a violation of team rules.”
According to Sgt. Dan Bartlett of the Cottonwood Heights Police Department, Masina is currently being investigated by both the CHPD and the Los Angeles Police Department for his role in two separate sexual assaults. The Utah assault is alleged to have occurred in Salt Lake County this July. LAPD confirmed an investigation has been opened against Masina when reached by phone Tuesday.
Head coach Clay Helton announced the suspension Monday when meeting with reporters, but did not offer further comment or specify the reason. USC released the following statement to the media on the matter, per the L.A. Daily News:
“USC is aware of the investigation involving student-athlete Osa Masina. USC is cooperating fully with authorities in Utah, the lead agency in the investigation. Due to privacy laws and to protect the rights of our students, we are not able to discuss this matter further.”
The CHPD met with Masina for an hour last week; they have not arrested or charged Masina, but have issued a search warrant in relation to the case.