USC football is in shambles right now. Over the weekend the USC athletic director Pat Haden announced he’d asked head coach Steve Sarkisian to take an indefinite leave of absence because he “isn’t healthy,” and soon after terminated Sarkisian’s contract. Haden allegedly took the more severe action because a litany of evidence suggesting alcohol abuse by Sarkisian has come to light.
Sarkisian came under fire before the season started for being intoxicated at a USC function involving players, parents and faculty, and his drinking problem has only escalated. Sarkisian has reportedly been drunk during team meetings, and was “under the influence” while coaching USC to a 42-14 win over Arizona State in September. Sarkisian is reportedly going through a divorce currently, and a source close to him told ESPN he has “hit rock bottom.”
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According to new reports, Sarkisian’s alcoholism didn’t crop up at USC. Ex-Washington Huskies said that they had smelled alcohol on Sarkisian during meetings then too. In addition to anecdotes from Washington, bar tabs from his tenures at both schools have emerged that show Sarkisian and coaches ordering tons of shots, usually Patron Silver, sometimes before noon.
Sarkisian’s issues, and firing, have created a whirlwind at USC. In addition to the team having to search for a new coach, recruits are considering bolting the university at season’s end according to TMZ.
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"My son turned down several schools to come play for Coach Sarkisian. He told us [our son] would learn how to become a responsible young man but his actions haven't been a good example. After this season, we will be re-evaluating whether or not to come back to the school,” one parent said.
"I am just very disappointed in the whole program. I thought this would be a great fit for my son but I can see things much clearer now ... and it's not. I don't know if it's going to get any better. My son's high school team was more disciplined than the USC football program,” said another.
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