USC Suspends Linebacker Osa Masina For Season-Opener Amid Sexual Assault Investigation

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — The USC football team has suspended linebacker Osa Masina for the team's Sept. 3 season-opener against Alabama amid a sexual assault investigation.

Masina is being investigated in connection with an alleged sexual assault last month in Utah, ESPN reported. Masina is a sophomore at USC and graduated from Brighton High School in Cottonwood Heights, Utah.

Masina was a backup in his first season, and was hoping to earn a larger role on the defense this year.

USC head coach Clay Helton announced Masina's suspension on the Trojans Live radio show on Monday, saying the linebacker was suspended for "a violation of team rules."

USC said in a statement that it was aware of the investigation.

"USC is aware of the investigation involving student-athlete Osa Masina," the school said in a statement. "USC is cooperating fully with authorities in Utah, the lead agency in the investigation."

No arrests have been made.