Steve Sarkisian filed a lawsuit against the University of Southern California (USC) for firing him instead of allowing him to seek treatment for alcoholism while employed.
According to The Los Angeles Times, Sarkisian filed his lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Monday, citing disability-based discrimination and invasion of privacy. He also alleged he faced undue pressure from USC Athletic Director Pat Haden before his termination.
"Instead of accommodating Steve Sarkisian's disability, USC kicked him to the curb," read the lawsuit.
Sarkisian has reportedly been dealing with a drinking problem since before he arrived at USC in 2014, but it came to light this past August when he appeared to inebriated during the school's "Salute to Troy" booster event. Sarkisian classified the incident as a mistake, blaming it on medication mixed with alcohol, but stated he would seek help nonetheless.
Regardless, reports began to trickle out of the USC football program that his alcoholism was not under control. In his lawsuit, The Times learned, Haden pressured Sarkisian to apologize publicly for the "Salute to Troy" mishap by threatening to fire him "on the spot." Sarkisian is reportedly seeking the $12.6 million left on his contract in addition to damages.
"Alcoholism is a recognized disability under California law," Alan Loewinsohn, Sarkisian's attorney, told TMZ. "So firing somebody because of that disability is against the law."
One event that appeared central to Sarkisian's termination was an Oct. 11 team meeting days after USC lost at home to Washington. The week before, reports surfaced that Sarkisian was inebriated during the Trojans' road game against Arizona State.
Unnamed players told ESPN at the time Sarkisian showed up to the meeting and was noticeably intoxicated and was not at practice later that day. Sarkisian claims in his lawsuit his strange behavior was brought on by drinking the previous night combined with "depression and anxiety... spiraling out of control in his mind."
On Oct. 12, USC formally announced Sarkisian's termination, effective immediately. TMZ reported Sarkisian has since completed "a stint in rehab" and hopes to return to coaching football.
