USC LB Osa Masina investigated for sexual assault, won't play in Alabama game

Suspended USC linebacker Osa Masina is under investigation by the Cottonwood Heights police department in Utah for an alleged sexual assault, a spokesman confirmed Tuesday.

The investigation was first reported by a Fox affiliate television station in Salt Lake City.

The alleged incident occurred in Salt Lake County in July.

USC coach Clay Helton announced on Monday that Masina would not travel with the Trojans for their season opener on Saturday against top-ranked Alabama in Arlington, Texas, due to an unspecified violation of team rules.

Investigators from the Los Angeles police department were on campus last week and are working with Cottonwood Heights police on the investigation, said Cottonwood Heights Police Sgt. Dan Bartlett.

Bartlett said he met with Masina on campus for an hour last week and a search warrant had been issued.

Masina, a sophomore, finished with 25 tackles and a fumble retu for a touchdown in 12 games last season.

He was co-listed with Quinton Powell as the backup for Mitchael Hutchings on the team’s depth chart released last week

USC issued a brief statement on the issue by email.

“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.”

Masina, who attended Brighton High School in Cottonwood Heights, has not been charged or arrested.

Helton is scheduled to meet with reporters Tuesday afteoon after practice.

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