Sarkisian responds: ‘I am facing these challenges the best I can’
Former USC Trojans coach Steve Sarkisian took to Twitter on Wednesday to offer his first public comments since being fired from the program on Monday.
Sarkisian initially had been put on a leave of absence Sunday by USC athletic director Pat Haden, who said then that Sarkisian was "not healthy" after missing practice.
Sources at the time told FOX Sports college football insider Bruce Feldman that Sarkisian showed up Sunday "in no condition to work," but Haden wasn’t specific about the reasons for the coach’s absence, saying only that "it was very clear to me" that the second-year USC coach was unwell.
The following day, the school terminated Sarkisian.
"After careful consideration of what is in the best interest of the university and our student-athletes, I have made the decision to terminate Steve Sarkisian, effective immediately," Haden said in a statement.
Haden said on Tuesday he had been unable to reach Sarkisian directly to inform the coach of his firing, adding that he tried for a couple of hours and also attempted to contact Sarkisian’s agent and sister before finally connecting with Sarkisian’s brother-in-law.
"I also reached out to his agent many times," Haden said. "I also reached out to several family members. … I really do look forward to talking to Steve at some point."
Recent reports have indicated that Sarkisian eventually found out about his firing via text messages from friends.
Staff reports and The Associated Press contributed.
I would like to thank everyone for their huge outpouring of support and well wishes.
— Steve Sarkisian (@CoachSark) October 14, 2015
This is a very difficult time for my family and me. I am facing these challenges the best I can and your support helps immensely.
— Steve Sarkisian (@CoachSark) October 14, 2015
I wish my Trojans the best against Notre Dame and for the remainder of the season. No one will be cheering them on more than me. Fight On!
— Steve Sarkisian (@CoachSark) October 14, 2015
Steve Sarkisian didn’t answer Pat Haden’s calls b/c he was on a plane, en route to an out-of-state treatment facility
— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) October 14, 2015
Steve Sarkisian is expected to spend at least 30 days at the treatment facility
— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) October 14, 2015
Steve Sarkisian was fired by USC for cause and the school believes it won’t have to pay the remaining 3+ years of his five-year deal
— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) October 14, 2015
Steve Sarkisian learned he had been fired when he read an e-mail and text messages from friends expressing sympathy.
— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) October 14, 2015
So, basically, Pat Haden fired Lane Kiffin at an airport, and Steve Sarkisian while he was on a plane
— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) October 14, 2015