Steve Sarkisian was fired by USC one day after it was announced that he would be taking a leave of absence after reports surfaced that the coach had shown up to the team’s facility and games under the influence of alcohol.
Athletic director Pat Haden released a statement today announcing the decision.
Via USC Trojans:
“After careful consideration of what is in the best interest of the university and our student-athletes, I have made the decision to terminate Steve Sarkisian, effective immediately. I want to thank Clay Helton for stepping into the interim head coach role, and I want to add how proud I am of our coaching staff and players and the way they are responding to this difficult situation. Through all of this we remain concerned for Steve and hope that it will give him the opportunity to focus on his personal well being”
Sarkisian denied having issues with alcohol abuse after admitting to being intoxicated during a “Salute to Troy” preseason booster event speech, however the abrupt change of disciplinary action suggests that stories of Sarkisian brought to light recently are true. The Trojans finished 12-6 under the helm of Sarkisian.
