Steve Sarkisian: It Was The Meds, Not The Booze

In an infamous moment the head coach of the Trojans would love to have back, Sarkisian dropped foul language while reportedly under the influence at a preseason gala event for significant donors to USC and the football program.

USC coach Steve Sarkisian has apologized for acting like a drunken fool at a team event on Saturday night, but there is a growing concern that his behavior that night was not an isolated incident. It was inappropriate. I feel bad for the University of Southern California.

According to the Daily News story, Sarkisian would drink alcohol after games both at home and on the road.

“That’s an issue that really should remain private”, Sarkisian said. I’m going to go to treatment, I’m going to deal with it. In the meantime, I’m going to be the head football coach here.

Sarkisian said he plans to seek treatment and pledged to avoid alcohol during the upcoming college football season.

Athletic director Pat Haden said he spoke to Sarkisian privately about his behavior in the latest embarrassment for a program with a long history of unusual happenings on and off the field.

“The leadership committee has been tremendous in support of who I am and what I’m about”, Sarkisian said.

There was a culture of drinking present, believed to be a carryover from Sarkisian’s days at the University of Washington.

USC opens the 2015 season against Arkansas State on September 5.