Auburn Riverside Teacher Removed as Soccer Coach Amid Allegations, Continues Teaching

Coach Stripped of Duties Following Alleged Inappropriate Video

An Auburn Riverside High School teacher has been removed from his position as boys soccer coach after an allegedly inappropriate video surfaced showing concerning behavior toward a student athlete during the 2025 season, multiple sources confirm. Despite losing his coaching role, the teacher remains employed by the Auburn School District as a certificated math instructor, continuing to work in classrooms with students while state education officials investigate the matter.

The incident allegedly occurred during a team function at a coach's family residence in March 2026, when the Auburn School District was alerted to a video showing an inappropriate interaction between the coach and students. The district placed the coach on administrative leave the following day and made a formal referral to the Office of Professional Practices with the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) on March 18, 2026.

District's Response and Timeline of Events

The Auburn School District acknowledged the situation in a carefully worded statement, confirming it had investigated the matter internally. "This is an HR matter that has been addressed through corrective action," the district said. "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."

Following its investigation, the district made the determination that the teacher would not be returned to his coaching position. However, district officials emphasized that the teacher remains under contract as a certificated employee and continues his responsibilities as a math instructor. The district declined to provide additional details, citing privacy concerns related to personnel matters.

Questions Linger Over District's Actions

The situation raises important questions about accountability and transparency within Washington State high school athletics. While the coach's removal from the boys soccer team represents one form of consequence, his continued employment in the classroom has drawn scrutiny from those concerned about student safety and appropriate professional conduct.

The OSPI's Office of Professional Practices will conduct its own investigation into the allegations. This state-level review could result in additional consequences, including potential credential suspension or revocation, depending on their findings and determination of whether the coach's actions violated professional conduct standards for educators.

Auburn Riverside's soccer program will move forward under different coaching leadership for the upcoming season. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining the highest standards of professionalism in high school athletic programs, where coaches hold significant influence over student athletes and must be trusted to create safe, respectful team environments.

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