USC Head Coach Steve Sarkisian Is Reportedly Taking a Leave of Absence (UPDATE)
UPDATE (8:01 p.m.): It appears that USC head coach Steve Sarkisian showed up to practice drunk this morning, a problem that has plagued him all year long.
Scott Wolf, who covers USC for the Los Angeles Daily News, is reporting that USC has dealt with multiple instances of Sarkisian's inebriation, including drinking Patron Tequila after victories in the locker room, and at one point, passing out on a team flight back from a game because he was so drunk.
BREAKING: #USC players said Sarkisian drank and passed out on flight back from Washington State game in 2014. Some reportedly took photos
— InsideUSC (@InsideUSC) October 11, 2015
Player on last year's #USC team claims Sarkisian drank bottle of Patron Tequila after Notre Dame game at Coliseum in 2014
— InsideUSC (@InsideUSC) October 11, 2015
BREAKING: #USC assistants pulled Steve Sarkisian out of player huddle on sideline during Arizona State game. Believed he was not sober
— InsideUSC (@InsideUSC) October 11, 2015
These reports come on the heels of Sarkisian appearing drunk at a USC donor event back in August.
Original story: USC still hasn't really righted the ship following the Pete Carroll era. Steve Sarkisian took over after Lane Kiffin's failed regime. After a disappointing 3-2 start following a loss against the Huskies, Sarkisian's direction is looking shaky, too.
Trojan news didn't get better on Sunday. The school announced that Sarkisian is taking a leave of absence after missing today's practice.
Two sources at USC say Steve Sarkisian was sent home by athletic director Pat Haden earlier today.
— Bryan Fischer (@BryanDFischer) October 11, 2015
Haden didn't reveal Sarkisian's specific condition, but he told reporters that Sarkisian didn't sound right when he called inquiring why he missed practice.
"I was at a basketball event earlier today when I got a call to say Sarkisian was not at practice," he said. "I called Steve and he made it clear to me that he was not healthy, and I asked him to take an indefinite leave of absence. I think this is the right thing for our team."
Offensive coordinator Clay Helton will serve as USC's interim head coach.
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[via ESPN]
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