After announcing an unexpected leave of absence yesterday, USC football coach Steve Sarkisian has been fired by the university, apparently as a result of his ongoing struggles with alcohol abuse.
"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," athletic director Pat Haden said in a statement released moments ago.
"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's battle with the bottle has been well documented, with stories of the widely respected coach and former BYU quarterback showing up to practices and even games visibly intoxicated.
Sources say Sarkisian's recent divorce exacerbated his alcoholism, and he was reportedly forced to take his leave of absence and seek treatment after he showed up to a team meeting drunk on Sunday.
Obviously, Sarkisian is one of many famous figures to struggle with alcoholism, but while celebrities are often able to come back from public battles with addiction, the sports world is often less forgiving.
Here's hoping the 41-year-old hasn't permanently derailed his once promising career.
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