Former Officer Sued USC Over Beach Altercation
Gary Gosnell filed a lawsuit alleging that coaches confronted him during a 2026 filming session.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Volleyball
Gary Gosnell, a 57-year-old former correctional officer, has filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles against USC and coach Eric Musselman. The legal action follows an alleged altercation in Manhattan Beach during which Gosnell claims he was harassed while filming for his YouTube channel.
Why it matters
The lawsuit accuses USC of failing to provide proper supervision for its coaching staff. Gosnell alleges that the incident, which involved demands to vacate a public area for team photos, caused him severe emotional and psychological distress.
The incident involved an advance of 60 feet by the coach toward Gosnell, who reports a history of 8 total surgeries including 3 on his spine, 1 on his knee, and 4 on his foot.
The players
Gary Gosnell
He is a 57-year-old former correctional officer who initiated the lawsuit.
Eric Musselman
He is a head coach at USC who is named as a defendant in the lawsuit.
Will Conroy
He is an athletic staff member at USC named as a defendant in the case.
University of Southern California
The institution is the primary employer of the coaches named in the lawsuit.
The details
Gosnell alleges that he was filming in Manhattan Beach at 10:30 a.m. when he was approached by staff who demanded he move so the team could take photographs. After Gosnell informed them he was recording, he claims the coaches shouted profanities and threats at him.
Timeline
Sept. 13, 2026: The altercation occurred at Manhattan Beach.
Sept. 16, 2026: Eric Musselman publicly acknowledged the incident.
Oct. 5, 2026: The lawsuit was filed in Los Angeles.
Oct. 9, 2026: USC is scheduled to participate in an exhibition game.
Season Trajectory
This legal conflict introduces an unexpected distraction for the program as it prepares for its exhibition schedule. The situation potentially impacts the team's public reputation and concentration during the preseason period.
The filing raises questions about how the program will handle coaching conduct accountability as it approaches the exhibition game against North Carolina. The outcome of the litigation could impact the university's liability policies and staff management procedures moving forward.
The takeaway
This case serves as a reminder of the heightened visibility and accountability expected of high-profile collegiate personnel in public spaces. Observers should watch how the university addresses these allegations as the basketball season approaches.
Further reading
For more background on the university's athletic program, visit the Volleyball section.
