Advertisement

USC's Steve Sarkisian pushed into personal leave

By The Sports Xchange

Athletic director Pat Haden instituted an indefinite leave of absence for Southern California football coach Steve Sarkisian.

Haden said Sunday afternoon he was informed around 1 p.m. PT that Sarkisian was not at the team's 12:30 p.m. practice. When he reached Sarkisian, Haden said it was very clear he was "not healthy."

Advertisement

The move comes four days after USC lost at home to Washington, the program Sarkisian left to take over in Los Angeles.

Offensive coordinator Clay Helton was named interim coach for the second time in three years following a meeting between Haden and players.

At the conclusion of Sunday's workout, Helton told players to report immediately to the meeting without showering and changing clothes.

Sarkisian faced multiple personal issues in the offseason. In the midst of a divorce, Sarkisian was reprimanded by Haden in August for an embarrassing public appearance at a pep rally and fundraiser with USC boosters.

Sarkisian said the cause of his unbecoming behavior at the event was mixing pain killers and alcohol, generally downplaying any issue and directly denying he had a problem to address.

Advertisement

Latest Headlines