For the first time since the events that led to termination, Steve Sarkisian released a statement on his Twitter account, but guarded the details of his exit.

The University of Southern California (USC) fired Sarkisian as the football team's head coach amid unconfirmed reports of an alcohol problem boiling over. Unnamed sources told ESPN and other publications Sarkisian showed up to a team meeting intoxicated.

After initially placing the coach on an indefinite leave, USC Athletic Director Pat Haden fired Sarkisian and referenced undisclosed health reasons.

"I would like to thank everyone for their huge outpouring of support and well wishes," Sarkisian said in his statement on Twitter. "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. 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!"

Sarkisian had a public drunken episode before the season started at the school's Salute to Troy event, but indicated he made a mistake. However, ESPN learned shortly after his termination that Sarkisian would a rehab facility.

"Obviously, [Sarkisian is] dealing with some tough stuff right now, but I wish him nothing but the best. I really do," USC quarterback Cody Kessler told reporters after practice. "There's no hard feelings from me. I've been praying for him. I've been hoping things are going to go good for him. He's always been great to me, so I have no hard feelings there.

"I know this team doesn't, either. The first thing this team wants is for him to get better. We're still going to support him as he goes through the next steps he takes, but our main focus right now is getting back out there. We still have a game Saturday."

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