Ex-USC Coach Sues Over Firing Linked To Alcoholism

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Former USC football coach Steve Sarkisian sued the university Monday over allegations he was fired instead of being offered treatment for alcoholism.

The suit alleges Sarkisian "pleaded with his boss, Pat Haden, the athletic director, to give him time off to get the help he needed" and was subsequently "kicked to the curb".

Sarkisian maintains that USC ignored state laws requiring that he be accommodated for his disability, according to the suit.

Haden fired the 41-year-old Sarkisian last month after placing him on an indefinite leave of absence.

Trouble for Sarkisian originated on Aug. 22, when he publicly apologized after showing up drunk at a "Salute to Troy" pep rally. During his slurred statement, he announced he would be getting unspecified treatment.

The following day, Sarkisian apologized yet again stating his behavior resulted from mixing alcohol and medication. Sarkisian has reportedly entered a treatment program following his termination.

(©2015 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)