Report: Steve Sarkisian Suing USC Over Firing

Former USC football head coach Steve Sarkisian is suing the university over the circumstances of his firing in October, according to TMZ Sports.

The former head coach is reportedly seeking upwards of $30 million for wrongful termination.

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Here’s the report from TMZ:

"has filed a lawsuit against USC over the way he was fired as the head coach of the football team … and wants more than $30 MILLION … has learned. Steve Sarkisian TMZ Sports We’re told one of the main allegations is that Sarkisian believes USC broke the law by firing someone with disabilities. We spoke with Sark’s attorney who tells us, “Alcoholism is a recognized disability under California law. So firing somebody because of that disability is against the law.” The attorney tells us Sark also feels USC left him high and dry when he needed them the most."

USC fired Sarkisian in October after the head coach appeared on campus apparently intoxicated on the Sunday following the Trojans’ loss to Washington at the Coliseum.

Athletic director Pat Haden determined that Sarkisian was not fit to coach in his condition. Shortly after placing Sarkisian on a leave of absence, Haden made the decision to fire the second-year head coach.

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At the time there was speculation about whether or not the Trojans would have to buy Sarkisian out of his contract, but the role alcohol played in his firing was though to have given USC the necessary ammo they needed to fire for cause.

Sarkisian had already been reprimanded before the season for his actions at USC’s annual Salute to Troy event, when he allegedly appeared on stage while intoxicated and had to be removed by Trojan officials.

It comes as no surprise that Sarkisian has decided to pursue a lawsuit. The only question is whether or not his claim of being “disabled” plays well with a judge.