But he disputed criticism that the university should have known about reports of Sarkisian’s alleged alcohol problems while he was at the University of Washington before he was hired as USC’s football coach.
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October 11: The school announces that Sarkisian was asked and agreed to take a leave of absence for an undisclosed condition, and that offensive coordinator Clay Helton will take over as the Trojans (3-2, 1-2 Pac-12) prepare for a road game versus Notre Dame on Saturday. Athletic Director Pat Haden immediately put him on indefinite leave before following up with Monday’s decision.
Meanwhile, USC offensive lineman Damien Mama said that the decision on Sarkisian indeed came as a shock to all of them, as per Los Angeles Times.
Helton begins his second stint as USC’s interim coach. “We all are hopeful that Steve gets his life back together and gets things in order”, Fisher said. Most recently, USC – which entered the season ranked No. 8 in the AP poll – was upset 17-12 at home by Washington last Thursday night.
Apart from difficulties on the field, Sarkisian is going through a divorce, according to ESPN.
Shortly before Haden’s news conference, USC president C. L. Max Nikias released a statement (via the Daily Trojan) in which he called Haden “a man of true character and integrity” and expressed support for him. He was on notice for an incident this summer when he showed up at a pep rally, appearing to be intoxicated while giving a speech. The school hasn’t said whether Sarkisian is seeking treatment. But after a year, he would accept a job as a tight ends coach with the Cincinnati Bengals, and then as a linebackers coach with the Detroit Lions, who would later promote him to head coach.
Haden said Sarkisian was vetted by a search firm, the NCAA and USC before he was hired.
He also has apologized for being under the influence of alcohol and painkillers at a USC function back in August. He said he looked into the situation further over the next 24 hours and, after determining that Sarkisian’s “did not meet USC’s standards”, made a decision to fire him. “But he recognizes it, and he’s going to do something about it, so this is the day the turn occurs”, Carroll said before the firing was announced.
An LA Times Report uncovered a long list of receipts with large alcohol tabs while Sarkisian was at UW.
“It’s a very unique honor to get it (this way)”, Helton said about taking over for Sarkisian.
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Florida Gators quarterback Will Grier, left, speaks to members of the media as head coach Jim McElwain listens Monday, October 12, 2015, in Gainesville, Fla.
