USC football coach Steve Sarkisian "apologized Sunday morning for his actions at the annual Salute to Troy football dinner, where he used profanity and appeared to be drunk before a crowd of several thousand fans," according to Scott Wolf of the L.A. DAILY NEWS. Sarkisian: "I sincerely apologize to my players and staff and to our fans for my behavior and my inappropriate language at our kickoff event Saturday night." Witnesses said that Sarkisian was "pulled away from the microphone" by USC AD Pat Haden and Senior Associate AD/Football J.K. McKay. Haden "reportedly lectured Sarkisian behind the stage about his behavior." Haden in statement said, "I met with Coach Sarkisian and I expressed my disappointment in the way he represented himself and the University at our Salute To Troy event. While the details of our conversation will remain between us, I am confident he heard my message loud and clear." Despite the statements from Sarkisian and Haden, there are "many questions ahead, including whether the university believes this was a one-time incident or more serious problems." Sources said that Sarkisian "drank alcohol in the USC locker room after games last season" (L.A. DAILY NEWS, 8/24). ESPN.com's Shelley Smith cited a source as saying that Sarkisian was "slurring his words" at Saturday night's event. The source said, "Our whole team is embarrassed." The source added that Haden was "seen berating Sarkisian backstage afterward." The source also said that Sarkisian "disparaged USC opponents, saying 'they all suck' about a number of Pac-12 schools, and used inappropriate language while introducing his team to alumni and donors" (ESPN.com, 8/23).
HORSE OF A DIFFERENT COLOR: ESPN's Butch Davis said Sarkasian "completely crossed the line" with his behavior and noted acting that way is "something that you -- clearly -- never want to do as a head football coach." Davis: "You're the face of a program, and you don't ever want to put yourself in a … completely embarrassing situation. I'm sure it's something that Steve certainly regrets and I'm sure that Pat has indicated to him that it's something that they're just not going to tolerate at Southern Cal” (“Mike & Mike,” ESPN Radio, 8/24). But in L.A., Bill Plaschke asks, "Are the Trojans doing their rebuilt reputation a disservice by abiding yet another off-the-field humiliation?" USC "might have a serious problem with its head football coach that might require more than a wrist slap" (L.A. TIMES, 8/24). ESPN.com's Ivan Maisel writes the Sarkisian incident is the "last thing Haden needs," especially after "writing a letter to his constituency last week saying USC must 'constantly strive to be the very best, and remain committed to the culture of excellence'" (ESPN.com, 8/24). FOXSPORTS.com's Stewart Mandel asked, "Has any athletic department in the country had to issue more statements of apology over the past few years than USC?" (FOXSPORTS.com, 8/23).
