USC coach enters treatment program, says he mixed alcohol with meds
Southern Cal head coach Steve Sarkisian has entered a treatment program because he was mixing medication with alcohol.
USC’s second-year coach said he doesn’t have a drinking problem but agreed to treatment as “part of the process.” The Trojans locker room will also be alcohol-free in 2015. Sarkisian said that was always the case, but the change is that no booze is permitted in the coaches’ locker room.
At a news conference before Tuesday morning’s practice, Sarkisian issued an apology for his behavior at the Salute to Troy. At the annual for the football team, alumni and athletic program donors, the coach appeared to be drunk while using profanities and ripping Pac-12 opponents.
“When you mix meds with alcohol sometimes you say things or do things you regret,” Sarkisian said. “I’d like to apologize for my behavior Saturday night. It was inappropriate. I feel bad for the University of Southern California. “The way I acted was irresponsible and something that I, obviously, don’t condone. There are things we’re going to work on for me, moving forward.”
Sarkisian asked that the type of medication he was taking remain private.
He told reporters there would be no challenge reprimanding players with the same issue.
Sarkisian went 9-4 last season and USC was ranked eighth in the preseason AP poll released Sunday.
Athletic director Pat Haden, who hired Sarkisian in December 2013, issued a statement after Sarkisian released his written apology.
“While the details of our conversation will remain between us, I am confident he heard my message loud and clear,” Haden said.
