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Steve Sarkisian tweets support for USC

By The Sports Xchange
Washington head coach Steve Sarkisian celebrates in the final minutes of the Huskies 17-13 upset win over eight ranked Stanford at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington on September 27, 2012. UPI/Jim Bryant
Washington head coach Steve Sarkisian celebrates in the final minutes of the Huskies 17-13 upset win over eight ranked Stanford at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington on September 27, 2012. UPI/Jim Bryant | License Photo

Ousted Southern Cal coach Steve Sarkisian turned to Twitter on Wednesday to offer his appreciation for the encouragement he received in the past few days.

Sarkisian, who was dismissed from the job a day after being placed on an indefinite leave of absense Monday for his conduct, also expressed his support for the Trojans (3-2) as they prepare for Saturday's game against No. 13 Notre Dame.

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"I wish my Trojans the best against Notre Dame and for the remainder of the season," Sarkisian tweeted Wednesday night. "No one will be cheering them on more than me. Fight On!"

Sarkisian had appeared drunk at a booster event on Aug. 22 before athletic director Pat Haden stepped in to get him off the stage. The coach apologized for his actions and said at the time he was mixing alcohol with prescription medication and would not drink anymore.

Then Sarkisian failed to show up for Sunday's practice and Haden at first put him on leave before deciding to fire Sarkisian on Monday, saying "it was very clear to me that he is not healthy."

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Reports indicated that Sarkisian's struggles with alcohol started before he was hired as Southern Cal coach. Sarkisian, a former Trojans assistant before leaving for the head coaching job at Washington and then returning, had a 12-6 record in two seasons with USC.

"I would like to thank everyone for their huge outpouring of support and well wishes," he tweeted Wednesday.

"This is a very difficult time for my family and me. I am facing these challenges the best I can and your support helps immensely."

Offensive coordinator Clay Helton was named interim coach to replace Sarkisian for the remainder of the season.

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