News

Ex-Husky coach Sarkisian loses $30M lawsuit against USC over firing

Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian tosses a football during NFL football training camp Friday, July 28, 2017, in Flowery Branch, Ga. Photo: Associated Press/John Bazemore


LOS ANGELES (AP) — Former USC head football coach Steve Sarkisian has lost a $30 million lawsuit that claimed he was improperly fired by the school instead of being allowed to seek treatment for alcoholism.

An arbitrator last week ruled in favor of the University of Southern California, saying Sarkisian concealed his condition from the school.

In a statement Monday, Sarkisian said he was “disappointed in the decision, but we will respect it and move on.”

Sarkisian was fired in October 2015, two months after he slurred his words and swore during USC’s annual “Salute to Troy” preseason pep rally.

Sarkisian blamed his behavior on mixing alcohol with medication before the event.

However, Sarkisian also reportedly showed signs of being intoxicated during a game and at a team meeting.

He was replaced by current head coach Clay Helton.

Sarkisian sued for breach of contract and discrimination based on disability, alleging that the school fired him instead of allowing him to seek treatment for alcoholism.

“We are pleased that the arbitration has reached its rightful conclusion and we wish Steve Sarkisian well,” said a statement from USC Athletic Director Lynn Swann.

Sarkisian went into alcohol rehabilitation treatment after he was fired. Sarkisian was the coach of the Washington Huskies from 2009-2013. He currently is the offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons.

“The last two years have been trying,” Sarkisian said in his statement. “But I am in now a great place, healthy, happy and loving my job with the Falcons and have the support of my family and friends and that’s where my focus is and will remain.”

Recent Headlines

11 hours ago in Sports

NBA will not rush judgment in Kawhi Leonard investigation, Commissioner Adam Silver says

The NBA will not rush to any judgment in its probe of whether a business relationship between Kawhi Leonard and a California company was legitimate or merely a way for the Los Angeles Clippers to circumvent salary cap rules, Commissioner Adam Silver said Wednesday.

11 hours ago in Sports

NCAA bans 3 college basketball players for betting on their own games at Fresno St, San Jose St

The NCAA banned three men's college basketball players for sports betting on Wednesday, saying they had bet on their own games at Fresno State and San Jose State and were able to share thousands of dollars in payouts.

18 hours ago in Sports

Aaron Judge hits 359th career homer, passing Hall of Famer Yogi Berra for 5th in Yankees history

Yankees captain Aaron Judge hit his 359th career home run in the first inning Tuesday night against the Detroit Tigers, breaking a tie with Hall of Fame catcher Yogi Berra for fifth place on the franchise list.

1 day ago in Sports

Eagles’ Jalen Carter avoids suspension, is fined $57,222 for spitting on Cowboys QB Dak Prescott

Jalen Carter was fined $57,222 by the NFL but avoided another suspension after spitting on Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott seconds into the league's season opener Thursday night.

2 days ago in Sports

Dodgers’ no-hit bid falls short in 9th but rally for 3-1 win over Rockies

Tyler Glasnow and Blake Treinen combined to pitch eight innings of no-hit ball before Tanner Scott gave up Colorado's first hit in the ninth and the Los Angeles Dodgers rallied for a 3-1 victory Monday night.