Auburn Riverside Soccer Program Faces Crisis After Coach Removed Over Alleged Misconduct Video

An Auburn Riverside High School coach has been stripped of his boys soccer duties after a video allegedly captured inappropriate conduct with a student athlete during a team function in 2025, raising serious questions about oversight and accountability within the Auburn School District's athletic programs.

The Incident and District Response

The Auburn School District confirmed on March 4, 2026, that it became aware of a video showing an interaction between the coach and students at a team gathering held at a coach's family residence during the 2025 soccer season. According to multiple sources, the video allegedly captured the coach licking or simulating the licking of a male student's foot during the team dinner, a routine but private athletic program function.

The district moved quickly on the coaching front, placing the teacher on leave the following day and ultimately determining he would not return to the coaching position. However, the response regarding his continued employment as a classroom teacher has proven more complicated. Despite the allegations and an active investigation by the Office of Professional Practices at the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), the Auburn School District has kept the teacher employed as a certificated math instructor.

Investigation Underway, But Classroom Status Unclear

The Auburn School District made a formal referral to OSPI on March 18, characterizing the situation as an "HR matter that has been addressed through corrective action." However, OSPI confirmed to media outlets that the investigation remains ongoing with no preestablished timeline for completion or determination of the teacher's fitness to work with students.

When directly asked whether the teacher continues to serve as a classroom instructor while the allegations remain unresolved, the Auburn School District declined to respond. OSPI noted that while it handles investigations into educator certificates, local school districts maintain their own employment policies and procedures regarding educators under investigation.

This case highlights the complex intersection between athletic program accountability and broader employment law in Washington State schools. While the removal from coaching sends a clear message, questions remain about whether continued classroom access to students is appropriate during an active OSPI investigation.

Auburn Riverside's soccer program, like many WIAA athletic teams across Washington, depends on trust between coaches, athletes, and families. This incident tests that trust at multiple levels, from the student athletes who witnessed the behavior to parents who entrust their children to district employees daily.

As the OSPI investigation continues, the Auburn School District's handling of this matter will likely face increased scrutiny from both the athletics community and district families.

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