UPDATE (4:36 pm, EST): USC has fired Sarkisian.
BREAKING: USC announces that head football coach Steve Sarkisian has been fired, effective immediately. pic.twitter.com/yzcPnDmDUG
— 120 Sports (@120Sports) October 12, 2015
University of Southern California head football coach Steve Sarkisian was given a temporary leave of absence Sunday.
Athletic director Pat Haden sent Sarkisian home from practice after he arrived at facilities in an intoxicated state and named offensive coordinator Clay Helton the interim head coach.
As I said before, source tells me Sarkisian was not sober earlier today #USC
— InsideUSC (@InsideUSC) October 11, 2015
I'm told that Sarkisian came into the team meeting this morning, "didn't sound the same," and that Helton took over and finished it.
— Michael Lev (@MichaelJLev) October 11, 2015
WATCH:
Sarkisian began treatment for alcoholism in August after making a drunken appearance at a booster club event. (VIDEO: USC Football Coach Heads To Rehab After Expletive-Filled Tirade)
Several other stories about his behavior began to surface Sunday evening.
BREAKING: Some #USC assistant coaches believed Steve Sarkisian was drunk during the Arizona State game on Sept. 26.
— InsideUSC (@InsideUSC) October 11, 2015
BREAKING: #USC players said Sarkisian drank and passed out on flight back from Washington State game in 2014. Some reportedly took photos
— InsideUSC (@InsideUSC) October 11, 2015
Player on last year's #USC team claims Sarkisian drank bottle of Patron Tequila after Notre Dame game at Coliseum in 2014
— InsideUSC (@InsideUSC) October 11, 2015