News Summary

Sean Masi, a former assistant swim coach at Redondo Union High School, was arrested in Idaho on charges of commercial burglary. This incident follows a turbulent period where Masi reported inappropriate conduct concerning a fellow coach but faced dismissal and scrutiny. After his arrest, community discussions about youth sports safety and reporting procedures have intensified. Masi now confronts potential misdemeanor charges that could lead to jail time. The community reflects on the implications of this case amid growing concerns for athlete safety.

Redondo Beach High School Coach Arrested in Burglary Incident

In a surprising turn of events, Redondo Beach has been shaken by the recent arrest of Sean Masi, a 22-year-old former assistant swim coach at Redondo Union High School (RUHS). Masi was taken into custody in Ada County, Idaho, on March 21, 2025, and has since faced three counts of commercial burglary as a first offense.

The Background

Masi’s time at Redondo Union High School took a tumultuous turn when he reported inappropriate conduct concerning a fellow assistant coach. Specifically, he raised a SafeSport concern regarding a junior female swimmer, detailing instances of what he considered inappropriate public displays of affection. Following these claims, Masi was dismissed from his coaching role in May 2023.

The head coach, Julie Brancato, reportedly advised Masi to hold off on reporting these allegations. However, Masi acted within the mandated 36-hour reporting window for youth coaches, which is significant considering the sensitive nature of the claims.

School Investigation Findings

The fallout from Masi’s allegations led to an investigation by the school’s administration. The assistant principal, Jeff Rosadini, found “no substantial evidence” to validate Masi’s claims. Witnesses interviewed reportedly either denied the behavior or deemed it without merit, placing Masi’s credibility into question.

However, the story didn’t end there. Several swimmers, feeling a sense of unease due to the accused coach’s behavior, stepped forward anonymously, contradicting the school’s investigation findings. They expressed their discomfort, shedding light on an environment that felt unsafe to them. In a display of solidarity, over two dozen swimmers wore teal at a recent team banquet, signaling support for survivors and advocating for a safe swimming environment.

Labor Lawsuit and Departure

The fallout from these events didn’t stop with Masi’s dismissal. In March 2024, he filed a labor lawsuit against the Redondo Beach Unified School District, seeking justice for what he believed was wrongful treatment after raising his concerns. This legal battle was eventually moved to federal court, where it was dismissed with prejudice in December 2024.

Despite these challenges, Masi made a fresh start by transferring from El Camino College to Boise State University for the 2023-24 academic year. Following the transfer, he took on the role of coach for the Boise State club swim team, working to establish himself anew in the swimming community while also serving on the Boise State Student Philanthropy Board.

Current Legal Situation

As of now, Masi is dealing with serious legal issues. Each count of commercial burglary in Idaho, as a first offense, is classified as a misdemeanor. Should he be convicted, he faces potential penalties of up to six months in jail and a fine of $1,000, or both. Following his arrest, he was booked into Ada County jail but has since been released on bond.

A Community in Reflection

The entire incident has left the Redondo Beach community to grapple with feelings of uncertainty. As conversations about safety and the responsibilities of youth coaches grow, many are reminded of the importance of creating an environment where all athletes, particularly minors, feel secure in voicing their concerns.

As this story continues to develop, many will be watching to see how it influences policies surrounding youth sports and reporting misconduct. For now, the community stands divided, with supporters advocating for those who feel unsafe, while also watching the legal proceedings against Masi closely.

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