Why Is Steve Sarkisian Suing USC?

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Former Football Head Coach Sarkisian Suing USC For $30 Million

Just weeks after his conduct led to a leave of absence and then subsequent firing, former University of Southern California head football coach Steve Sarkisian has filed a lawsuit against his former employer for wrongful termination.

According to reports, Sarkisian is suing USC for more than $30 million for firing him instead of looking for help for his alcohol “disability.” TMZ Sports, which has obtained the suit, reports Sarkisian reveals he came to grips with the fact he suffered from alcoholism in October 2015 following a string of reported bad behavior over the previous months.

Also, according to the suit, USC “kicked (Sarkisian) to the curb” when he needed its help. Sarkisian‘s attorney, Alan Loewinsohn, remarked, “Alcoholism is a recognized disability under California law. So firing somebody because of that disability is against the law.”

Sarkisian was reportedly drunk and belligerent at a USC donor event in August, and then in October he missed a practice and reports came out on October 11 that players had commented that he had shown up to at least one team meeting not sober.

Athletic Director Pat Haden placed Sarkisian on a leave of absence on October 11, which led to Sarkisian allegedly pleading with Haden to get help for his alcohol problem.

Haden fired him less than 24 hours after the October 11 incident and leave of absence announcement. Sarkisian entered a residential treatment facility shortly afterward.

USC released a statement on Monday saying that it has not received notice of the lawsuit as of yet.

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