Former USC Head Coach Steve Sarkisian Suing University for Wrongful Termination

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Admission of wrongdoing and accepting consequences for one’s actions are no longer the norm. As America seeks to redefine substance and alcohol abuse as a disease and a disability, a different set of circumstances are expected to follow when terminating an employee, at least that is Steve Sarkisian’s point of view. On Monday, the former USC head coach field a lawsuit in the Los Angeles County Superior Court claiming wrongful termination.

On Sunday, Oct. 11, Steve Sarkisian requested a leave of absence to receive treatment for alcohol related issues after reportedly showing up for team meetings under the influence. The Trojans had just wrapped a film study session and were about to take the field for practice when Sarkisian remained inside. Athletic director Pat Haden was called over to deal with the issue resulting in “a leave of absence.”

On Monday, Oct. 12, Sarkisian was terminated four days after taking a 17-12 loss to his former team, the Washington Huskies. Haden reportedly fired Sarkisian via email as the embattled coach was heading to rehab.

In the 31-page lawsuit filed, Sarkisian’s legal representation claims USC did not give their client “reasonable accommodation” allowing for “time off to get help for his disability.” The lawsuit further argues, “Under the circumstances of this case, California law required USC to make reasonable accommodation of giving Steve Sarkisian time off to get help for his disability and then return to his job. Instead, USC ignored both its obligations under California law and the commitments it made to Steve Sarkisian.”

In California alcoholism is a recognized disability by law. The suit also claims a breach of contract, invasion of privacy, and discrimination on the basis of disability. How the invasion of privacy argument comes into play is unclear. The suit is seeking to gain the $12.6 million left on Sarkisian’s contract at the time of his dismissal.

Sarkisian’s troubles with alcohol, back to his coaching days at Washington, quickly surfaced at the time of his dismissal painting a picture of long ongoing problems. In August, Sarkisian was reprimanded by Haden after he was slurring his words and used explicit language during a USC event. Sarkisian apologized the next day citing a mix of alcohol and prescription medicine for his inappropriate behavior.

USC posted a 12-6 record under Sarkisian starting the 2015 season as the favorite to win the Pac-12 South Division. USC started the season 3-2, 1-2 in conference play, under Sarkisian rallying to win five of their final six games to earn a berth in the Pac-12 Championship Game. The Trojans will face the Wisconsin Badgers in the Holiday Bowl under interim head coach turned head coach Todd Helton on Dec. 30.

Photo credit: latimes.com; Steve Sarkisian at a USC press conference.