USC football coach Steve Sarkisian was drunk and acknowledged he made inappropriate comments at the school’s “Salute To Troy” kickoff party Saturday night, and apologized Sunday.
Reports began circulating early Sunday on the Internet that the coach used foul language, made gratuitous foul statements about other teams and was obviously drunk. He had to be escorted off the stage by USC Athletic Director Pat Haden.
The coach reportedly urged his team to “fight the f— on.” He also reportedly said opponents Arizona State, Notre Dame and Oregon all “suck.”
ESPN quoted one Trojan player as saying “our whole team is embarrassed. ESPN also said Haden was seen berating Sarkasian backstage after the performance.
In a statement issued just before noon, the Trojan A.D. said “I met with Coach Sarkasian 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 confidant he heard my message loud and clear,” Haden said.
As for Sarkasian, his statement said “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.
“I have a responsibility to all of them an I let them down,” he continued. “Pat Haden talked to me after the event about my actions and I assured him this would not happen again.”
Last year’s Salute To Troy kickoff also had bad consequences to the team, as one player sprained both ankles jumping off a balcony after the rally, and made up a fake cover story about saving a child from a pool.
— City News Service