080415-cfb-Steve-Sarkisian-pi-mp.vadapt.620.high.89

On Monday, USC announced that “after careful consideration,” the university was firing football coach Steve 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.

“I want to thank Clay Helton for stepping into the interim head coach role, and I want to add how proud I am of our coaching staff and players and the way they are responding to this difficult situation.

“Through all of this we remain concerned for Steve and hope that it will give him the opportunity to focus on his personal well being.”

Sarkisian had previously been forced to take a leave of absence after he reportedly showed up to team facilities intoxicated on Sunday.

Prior to his dismissal, The Los Angeles Times had reported that Sarkisian has had problems with alcohol that date back to his time at the University of Washington.

[USC]