Steve Sarkisian was fired after seeking treatment for alcoholism, and now he’s suing USC for wrongful termination.
The former football coach was fired by USC athletic director Pat Haden on Oct. 12 while on his way to an in-patient clinic to receive treatment for his addiction. Sarkisian’s attorney told TMZ Sports on Monday that alcoholism is classified as a disability in this case.
“Alcoholism is a recognized disability under California law,” Alan Loewinsohn said. “So firing somebody because of that disability is against the law.”
The 31-page lawsuit claims, per the Los Angeles Times, that “instead of accommodating Steve Sarkisian’s disability, USC kicked him to the curb.” The lawsuit said Sarkisian had been suffering from depression and anxiety along with his alcoholism, and he appeared out of sorts at a team meeting Oct. 11 after taking his medication with a hangover. It says Haden assumed Sarkisian was drunk and fired him in an email the next day after the coach asked for a leave of absence to get help.
“Not once did Haden ask Steve Sarkisian what happened at the team meeting nor even whether he had been drinking shortly before the meeting,” the lawsuit said.
TMZ Sports reported Sarkisian is suing for $30 million, which includes breach of his $12.6 million contract and compensation for mental stress.
Thumbnail photo via Credit: Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports Images
