Steve Sarkisian, the USC coach who was fired on Monday after apparently appearing at work intoxicated, has reportedly checked himself into rehab.
“Steve Sarkisian is aware of the termination and is deeply disappointed,” a source close to the coach told SB Nation’s Cyd Zeigler. “But right now his No1 priority is getting himself well. To that end, he has checked himself into a residential treatment facility. He’s grateful for all the support that will help him get through this difficult time.”
USC’s decision to terminate Sarkisian’s contract came after athletic director Pat Haden told the coach to take a leave of absence and seek treatment following several reports of drunken behaviour. Sarkisian apologised for being drunk and using “inappropriate language” at a booster event in late August, and ESPN also reported that staff suspected Sarkisian was drunk for USC’s 42-14 win over Arizona State on 26 September.
Haden said in a statement: “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.’
USC players were said to be shocked and worried after seeing Sarkisian at team facilities on Sunday. They were told of his departure by coaching staff on Monday afternoon, before a statement was released to the media.
“We are fine,” a player who wished to not be identified told ESPN’s Holly Rowe. “Just trying to keep our heads up.”
Players, friends and former colleagues, including Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll and St Louis Rams coach Jeff Fisher, expressed concern and sympathy for Sarkisian, who started this season 3-2 with losses to at-the-time unranked Stanford and Washington.
One player’s parent told ESPN the team was forging ahead while hoping for the best outcome for Sarkisian. “Their basic attitude is they have to get back to work,” said the parent, who also wished to not be identified.
“We all are hopeful that Steve gets his life back together and gets things in order,” Rams coach Jeff Fisher said. “It’s unfortunate that sometimes the personal things affect the business.”
Carroll said: “I’ll be there to support him. I know him before, and there’s a lot to offer the world. It’s been hard on him, and he’s made it hard on people around him too. And he knows that. And he’s got to take the steps to take care of business now.”
Fisher, a USC alum, also extended his support.
“We all are hopeful that Steve gets his life back together and gets things in order,” Fisher said. “It’s unfortunate that sometimes the personal things affect the business. We all have to respect Pat Haden and [senior associate athletic director] JK McKay and the decision that they made and hope they are moving in the right direction and Sark can get things back together so he can get back on the sideline.”
