USC head coach Steve Sarkisian made a fool of himself Saturday night. 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. It did not go over well in front f the crowd assembled, and USC Athletics Director Pat Haden gave Sarkisian a good talkin’ to. He has already apologized for his behavior, but on Tuesday morning Sarkisian met with the media prior to a football practice, at which time Sarkisian apologized once more for his actions publicly.
“I’d like to apologize for my behavior Saturday night. It was inappropriate,” Sarkisian said. “I feel bad for the University of Southern California. I feel bad for Pat Haden. I feel bad for our players and I feel bad for my own kids that the way I acted the way I did was irresponsible and something that I obviously don’t condone.”
Sarkisian went on to explain that he will be focusing on preventing this sort of episode to happen again, and Haden will surely be keeping his head coach on a short leash in these types of settings until he proves capable of handling himself better in the public setting. It turns out Sarkisian may have another problem to focus on, as he admitted to mixing alcohol and medication. He said he will seek treatment to determine if he has a drinking problem.
“I’ve met with Pat at length. There are some things we’re going to work on moving forward but it’s a hard time,” Sarkisian said. “I truly believe in myself as a coach to lead this team and to be the best coach for this team to go win a championship. I’m thankful that I’m surrounded by wonderful people. I’m thankful that I’m at this university that can offer no better support than any other university in the country.”
USC was picked as the Pac-12 favorite by the media earlier this summer, and Sarkisian took subtle jabs at Oregon’s uniforms this offseason. Please college football season, get here now.