USC calls Steve Sarkisian’s lawsuit claims ‘patently untrue’

Not surprisingly, the war of words between USC and their former head coach has already started to heat up.

Earlier today, it was confirmed that Steve Sarkisian had filed a lawsuit against USC in which he claims that the university illegally fired him because, in part, they did not accommodate his disability. Specifically, the coach, who recently finished a stint in rehab, is an alcoholic and claims his firing violated the Americans with Disabilities Act.

In a tersely-worded statement, USC labeled the most of the accusations contained in the suit “patently untrue.” The university also stated that not only did Sarkisian not ask for time off to seek help as he claims, he resisted efforts from the university to get him help.

Much of what is stated in the lawsuit filed today by Steve Sarkisian is patently untrue. While the university does not as a matter of practice comment on personnel matters or litigation, the record will show that Mr. Sarkisian repeatedly denied to university officials that he had a problem with alcohol, never asked for time off to get help, and resisted university efforts to provide him with help. The university made clear in writing that further incidents would result in termination, as it did. We are profoundly disappointed in how Mr. Sarkisian has mischaracterized the facts and we intend to defend these claims vigorously.

After being given an an indefinite leave of absence Oct. 11, Sarkisian was fired a day later as the Trojans’ head football coach. Sarkisian, who reportedly had a troubling past involving alcohol, checked himself into rehab shortly thereafter, and reportedly learned of his fate with the Trojans via text messages and emails on his way to a treatment center.

Sarkisian is believed to be seeking upwards of $30 million in the suit.