A day after having his contract terminated by USC, former Trojans head football coach Steve Sarkisian has entered rehab for alcohol abuse. Former USC Head Coach Steve Sarkisian Enters Rehab, according to SB Nation. The move stems from alcohol-related issues, as Sarkisian allegedly was intoxicated at the Trojans’ football offices on Sunday morning. Athletic Director Pat Haden called Sarkisian after getting word of the coach’s condition and asked him to take a leave of absence. Yet Monday morning Haden decided to permanently remove Sarkisian from his position. This comes after allegations of Sarkisian being drunk while coaching USC to a 42-14 win over Arizona State on September 27.
Although he is going through a divorce and residual family issues, perhaps the most alarming sign of the coach’s alcohol issues was his behavior at a pre-season football event for donors and alumni. At the event, Sarkisian used inappropriate language while speaking at the podium, had slurred speech and displayed several additional signs of intoxication. He later revealed he had mixed Xanax with alcohol, but maintained he did not have an alcohol addiction.
A source told SB Nation, “Steve Sarkisian is aware of the termination and is deeply disappointed. But right now his No. 1 priority is getting himself well. To that end, he has checked himself into a residential treatment facility.”
Let’s hope that Sarkisian gets the help he needs.