Auburn Riverside Coach Removed from Soccer After Alleged Inappropriate Video, Still Teaching Math

Auburn School District Takes Limited Action After March Video Surfaces

An Auburn Riverside High School teacher has been stripped of his boys soccer coaching duties following an alleged incident captured on video during the 2025 season, but the educator remains employed by the Auburn School District as a math teacher despite the serious allegations.

According to reports, the video allegedly showed the coach engaging in inappropriate conduct with a male student athlete during a team function held at a residence during the 2025 soccer season. The Auburn School District became aware of the video on March 4, 2026, and placed the coach on leave the following day. However, despite an active referral to the Office of Professional Practices with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) on March 18, the district has maintained limited transparency about the situation.

District Confirms Investigation, Offers Minimal Details

The Auburn School District issued a brief statement confirming the incident and the coaching removal: "This is an HR matter that has been addressed through corrective action. On March 4, 2026, we were alerted to a video that showed an interaction between a coach and students at a team function during the 2025 soccer season. The coach was placed on leave the following day."

The district made clear the coach will not return to the coaching position but remains employed as a certificated educator. "The determination was made after the HR investigation that he will not be returned as a coach but he is currently under contract as a certificated employee," the statement read.

The case raises significant questions about accountability in Washington state athletic programs and the distinction between administrative coaching duties and classroom teaching responsibilities. Team functions and social gatherings are routine in high school athletics across the state, but expectations for appropriate coach-athlete conduct remain paramount.

OSPI Investigation Underway

With the referral to OSPI's Office of Professional Practices now active, the state education agency will conduct its own investigation into the alleged misconduct. This process typically examines whether professional standards for educators have been violated and whether further disciplinary action is warranted.

The situation highlights ongoing concerns about oversight in Washington high schools, particularly regarding coach conduct and safeguarding student athletes. Auburn Riverside's soccer program and the Auburn School District will remain under scrutiny as the OSPI investigation proceeds and determines what, if any, additional action will be taken regarding the teacher's employment status and access to students in the classroom setting.

This article was created with AI assistance. Stats and results sourced from public records.