AD: Decision not to suspend Sarkisian was in 'best interest of USC'

Published Sep. 1, 2015 12:59 p.m. ET

foxsports

Steve Sarkisian’s embarrassing rant at a school event last week turned viral, and the USC Trojans head coach later admitted that his behavior was due to a combination of medication and alcohol.

The USC athletics program opted not to suspend Sarkisian for his tirade, and the school’s athletic director, Pat Haden, spoke on Monday about that decision, claiming that the lack of a suspension for Sarkisian was made “in the best interest” of the university and its players.

Haden initially was quick to condemn Sarkisian’s actions, which included apparent inebriation, the use of foul language, and insults of other programs during USC’s annual “Salute to Troy” preseason booster event.

Per the LA Times report, Haden said he had “thoughtful conversations” with both medical professionals and school staff and that “a lot of careful thought was given” to his decision to allow Sarkisian to coach in USC’s season opener Saturday against Arkansas State.

“I understand a lot of people are going to disagree with my decision,” Haden added. “I believe the course of action we chose was really in the best interest of USC and Steve Sarkisian and maybe just as important, or more importantly, our players.”

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