Sarkisian Issues

[cptau 169]

This reminds me of another university coming off probation and very high expectations for winning. They desperately sought a head football coach and the got one from Washington State Univ. Did not work out well.

USC - Carroll -> Kiffin -> Sarkisian

UAT - Stallings -> DuBose -> Franchione -> Price

Sark was at U of Washington...not WSU....but was part of the Pete Carroll staff as noted.

Right, my point is that Price came from WSU to UAT.

[AU64 10,122]

This reminds me of another university coming off probation and very high expectations for winning. They desperately sought a head football coach and the got one from Washington State Univ. Did not work out well.

USC - Carroll -> Kiffin -> Sarkisian

UAT - Stallings -> DuBose -> Franchione -> Price

Sark was at U of Washington...not WSU....but was part of the Pete Carroll staff as noted.

Right, my point is that Price came from WSU to UAT.

sorry...mis-read the comment...

[bootskii 264]

Article stating Sark was drunk during the ASU game. I hope this guy gets some help with this. He is more than likely going to be let go by USC but hopefully this doesn't ruin his coaching career.

http://auburn.247sports.com/Bolt/Report-Sarkisian-was-intoxicated-during-ASU-game-40177956/

[cptau 169]

The LA Times has a story on Starkisian at Washington.

1. USC didnt check him out very well at all

2. Washington did not correct the problem and actually supported his use of alcohol with tax payer money.

3. A coach without self discipline can't enforce team discipline.

Documents, former players point to Steve Sarkisian's alcohol use at Washington

http://www.latimes.com/sports/usc/la-sp-usc-sarkisian-washington-20151012-story.html

Steve Sarkisian's strange behavior in the days surrounding high-pressure, high-profile college football games isn't unique to his time at USC.

Some regarded the coach's conduct, specifically the use of alcohol, as an issue during his five seasons leading the University of Washington's program.

Sarkisian's lone court record in Washington state is a routine speeding ticket and he wasn't publicly disciplined by the university. But his actions raised concern among some of his players and others closely associated with Washington's program.

One former Huskies player said he smelled alcohol on Sarkisian at team meetings, an allegation that bears some resemblance to reports by USC players that their coach "didn't seem right" during a meeting Sunday morning, and statements by others close to the Trojans football program that he seemed unstable during a recent game at Arizona State.

After Sarkisian's outburst in August at USC's "Salute to Troy" event where he slurred his words, insulted opponents and added an expletive to the university's "Fight on!" rallying cry, The Times interviewed more than two dozen people knowledgeable about Sarkisian's time at Washington, and reviewed hundreds of pages of documents.

USC Coach Steve Sarkisian, called 'not healthy', placed on indefinite leave

What emerged is a portrait of a man who favored Patron Silver tequila or Coors Light and frequented a handful of Seattle-area bars, typically accompanied by staff members, and didn't hesitate to drink — early — while traveling.

During a stop at a rib joint in Nashville in January 2013, for example, Sarkisian and three assistants ordered four shots of Patron Silver, four shots of an unspecified liquor and five beers. The coach cashed out at 11:53 a.m.

Some associated with Washington's football program remain unabashed supporters. But Sarkisian's use of alcohol became a running joke among some Washington players, some of whom spoke about the topic on the condition they not be named because of the personal nature of the issue.

One ex-player said that in 2009, Sarkisian's first season with the Huskies, the coach sometimes arrived at morning team meetings "smelling like booze and [with] eyes all red, like he's been on a bender."

Another former player said he smelled alcohol on Sarkisian during team meetings on "one or two" occasions and, other times, noted that the coach's eyes appeared to be bloodshot and glazed while he seemed unusually confrontational.

Two other former players said Sarkisian and other coaches regularly consumed alcohol in offices — one said the coach typically kept an 18-pack of Coors Light stashed near his desk — and that he appeared uncharacteristically loud and unsteady on some team flights.

After the August incident at USC, which Sarkisian blamed on inadvertently mixing alcohol and unspecified medication, some former Washington players didn't sound surprised.

"Coach Sark is still having fun at USC!" former Huskies tight end Michael Hartvigson wrote on Twitter at the time. He added the hashtag #ThingsHaventChanged.

Two of Sarkisian's highest-profile players at Washington, defensive lineman Danny Shelton and linebacker Shaq Thompson, both high NFL draft picks this year, joined in the social media quips.

Shelton tweeted a sarcastic #shocked hashtag in reference to the incident. Thompson responded with an emoji laughing and shedding tears.

"I would've made him run the stadium carrying a 6 pack since he wanna drink so much lol," Shelton tweeted.

The former players didn't respond to messages seeking further comment.

See the most-read stories in Sports this hour >>

Despite several requests in September, USC didn't make Sarkisian available to speak with The Times about his alcohol use at Washington. Athletic Director Pat Haden said the university vetted Sarkisian extensively before hiring him as coach in December 2013.

Seattle sports radio host Dave Mahler, whose involvement in Washington's football program included hosting recruiting banquets and pregame and postgame shows, saw the August incident as part of a pattern.

"The idea that this was the first time that something like this happened for Steve Sarkisian … it's not," Mahler said in August during his show on 950 KJR. "It's not the first time."

However, the host did not specifically say what he was referring to on air and declined to elaborate on the record to a reporter.

At least one incident during Sarkisian's time at Washington bore some similarity to what happened in August at USC.

At the Duchess Tavern in Seattle, Sarkisian jumped up on the bar, drink in hand, for a speech to dozens of former players at their annual alumni gathering the night before Washington's spring football game in 2012.

"[He] looked adrenalized, hollering what football coaches do to get their guys going," said Bill Resler, a longtime university professor who witnessed the event.

The gesture seemed to fit the moment at the neighborhood bar less than a mile from campus, but some people in the room wondered whether something more than the coach's usual enthusiasm fueled the display.

"You could tell he was in the moment, but he wouldn't have done that if he wasn't drinking," said a former player in attendance.

One of the event's organizers said Sarkisian didn't appear to be under the influence, but Resler wasn't so sure.

"When he got off the bar, he was unsteady, looked like he had been over-served, and sat down, looked a little embarrassed that he was in that state," Resler said.

When Sarkisian arrived at Washington after seven years as a USC assistant, he inherited a moribund program that was 0-12 in 2008 under straightlaced coach Tyrone Willingham. Sarkisian assembled a young, energetic staff that frequently implored the players to have fun.

More than 800 pages of receipts, hotel folios and expense reports obtained by The Times from Sarkisian's tenure at Washington show alcohol was a constant presence.

In 2011, for example, Sarkisian picked up a bill at Suncadia Resort in Cle Elum, Wash., that included 83 beers and 12 shots of Grey Goose vodka. Twenty Washington coaches and their spouses are listed as attending.

During a one-night stay at the JW Marriott at L.A. Live in May 2011 for a speaking engagement, Sarkisian's hotel folio shows room service delivered a $90 bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne and a chocolate amenity, then six beers.

At the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix for a Pac-12 Conference head coach meetings, Sarkisian ran up $106 in minibar charges in one day in May 2012 and spent more than $1,600 over two days at the Renaissance Indian Wells Resort and Spa's pool bar in 2013.

Two receipts from Washington retreats in Indian Wells in 2012 and 2013 showed Sarkisian expensed $1,023 worth of alcohol at a restaurant. That included 91 shots of tequila, much of it Patron Silver. At least 16 people attended one of the gatherings; the attendance for the other wasn't clear.

Even some routine trips resulted in steep bar tabs, like a one-night recruiting visit by Sarkisian to Long Beach in 2010 that included $125.01 worth of unspecified beverages in one visit to the lobby bar and $104.01 in beverages at the same establishment a few months later. Another stay, this one at the Hollywood Roosevelt hotel in July 2011, resulted in a one-day beverage tab of $170.47.

Patrons and staff recognized Sarkisian at Seattle-area establishments such as The Ram near campus, Edgewater Hotel, 520 Bar and Grill, Roanoke Inn, Joey Bellevue as well as the Duchess. He was also said to be a frequent presence at two establishments that are now closed: Citrus and Joey Lake Union.

Two former Washington players said they encountered Sarkisian at the Edgewater on Seattle's waterfront during a 2011 concert by local musician Tess Henley.

One of the players, who worked as a bartender at another establishment, said they bumped into Sarkisian and a team staffer in the packed bar. The player described the coach as "clearly … wasted." The other player said Sarkisian hugged him, offered to buy him a drink and was "definitely drunk."

The same player said Sarkisian drank "copious amounts of Patron" amounting to "between eight and 10 shots" over several hours during weekly visits to Citrus on Lake Union.

Others around the Washington program say they saw Sarkisian drink, but never in excess or in a setting they considered inappropriate.

Erik Wilson, a former reserve quarterback, described a father-son relationship with a coach he viewed as a role model.

"He was always in complete control," Wilson said, "and I have never seen nor heard him getting out of control."

A former director of Washington's club for letter winners, John Otness, traveled to public appearances and events with Sarkisian and never noticed any concerning conduct.

"We all knew he was a Trojan at heart, but he became a Husky and made our program tick when we didn't have a lot going on," Otness said. "I never felt he was doing something another coach wouldn't do.

There is one exception. Chris Petersen, who replaced Sarkisian as Washington's coach, won't do events that involve drinking, Otness said.

Resler, who thought Sarkisian was unsteady at the 2012 event, has taught at Washington for more than 35 years. He described Sarkisian as "a perfectly nice guy" and said he became a season-ticket holder because of the coach's commitment to young people and to revitalizing the Husky football program.

Still, Resler "wasn't surprised" by Sarkisian's incident in August.

"Someone who could get over-served [here]," Resler said, "could get over-served at any function."

[AU64 10,122]

Like a situation that hs been widely discussed on this board, as long as a person was "getting the job done" folks around him....or over him...were apparently willing to overlook the transgressions. But....eventually the combination of off-field and on-field behavior required that some action be taken.

Considering all the incidents mentioned above, it's fortunate that Sark did not kill himself...or someone else. Coaching is a high stress business....and the ADs at Wash and now USCw share some blame for allowing this go on so long. JMO....

[I_M4_AU 7,801]

If USCw tested him after the practice and he blew anything over 0.00, he's gone. If they didn't test him, the coverup continues. I hope the rehab is taken seriously be Sark.

[Tiger 8,820]

The LA Times has a story on Starkisian at Washington.

1. USC didnt check him out very well at all

2. Washington did not correct the problem and actually supported his use of alcohol with tax payer money.

3. A coach without self discipline can't enforce team discipline.

Documents, former players point to Steve Sarkisian's alcohol use at Washington

http://www.latimes.c...1012-story.html

Steve Sarkisian's strange behavior in the days surrounding high-pressure, high-profile college football games isn't unique to his time at USC.

Some regarded the coach's conduct, specifically the use of alcohol, as an issue during his five seasons leading the University of Washington's program.

Sarkisian's lone court record in Washington state is a routine speeding ticket and he wasn't publicly disciplined by the university. But his actions raised concern among some of his players and others closely associated with Washington's program.

One former Huskies player said he smelled alcohol on Sarkisian at team meetings, an allegation that bears some resemblance to reports by USC players that their coach "didn't seem right" during a meeting Sunday morning, and statements by others close to the Trojans football program that he seemed unstable during a recent game at Arizona State.

After Sarkisian's outburst in August at USC's "Salute to Troy" event where he slurred his words, insulted opponents and added an expletive to the university's "Fight on!" rallying cry, The Times interviewed more than two dozen people knowledgeable about Sarkisian's time at Washington, and reviewed hundreds of pages of documents.

USC Coach Steve Sarkisian, called 'not healthy', placed on indefinite leave

What emerged is a portrait of a man who favored Patron Silver tequila or Coors Light and frequented a handful of Seattle-area bars, typically accompanied by staff members, and didn't hesitate to drink — early — while traveling.

During a stop at a rib joint in Nashville in January 2013, for example, Sarkisian and three assistants ordered four shots of Patron Silver, four shots of an unspecified liquor and five beers. The coach cashed out at 11:53 a.m.

Some associated with Washington's football program remain unabashed supporters. But Sarkisian's use of alcohol became a running joke among some Washington players, some of whom spoke about the topic on the condition they not be named because of the personal nature of the issue.

One ex-player said that in 2009, Sarkisian's first season with the Huskies, the coach sometimes arrived at morning team meetings "smelling like booze and [with] eyes all red, like he's been on a bender."

Another former player said he smelled alcohol on Sarkisian during team meetings on "one or two" occasions and, other times, noted that the coach's eyes appeared to be bloodshot and glazed while he seemed unusually confrontational.

Two other former players said Sarkisian and other coaches regularly consumed alcohol in offices — one said the coach typically kept an 18-pack of Coors Light stashed near his desk — and that he appeared uncharacteristically loud and unsteady on some team flights.

After the August incident at USC, which Sarkisian blamed on inadvertently mixing alcohol and unspecified medication, some former Washington players didn't sound surprised.

"Coach Sark is still having fun at USC!" former Huskies tight end Michael Hartvigson wrote on Twitter at the time. He added the hashtag #ThingsHaventChanged.

Two of Sarkisian's highest-profile players at Washington, defensive lineman Danny Shelton and linebacker Shaq Thompson, both high NFL draft picks this year, joined in the social media quips.

Shelton tweeted a sarcastic #shocked hashtag in reference to the incident. Thompson responded with an emoji laughing and shedding tears.

"I would've made him run the stadium carrying a 6 pack since he wanna drink so much lol," Shelton tweeted.

The former players didn't respond to messages seeking further comment.

See the most-read stories in Sports this hour >>

Despite several requests in September, USC didn't make Sarkisian available to speak with The Times about his alcohol use at Washington. Athletic Director Pat Haden said the university vetted Sarkisian extensively before hiring him as coach in December 2013.

Seattle sports radio host Dave Mahler, whose involvement in Washington's football program included hosting recruiting banquets and pregame and postgame shows, saw the August incident as part of a pattern.

"The idea that this was the first time that something like this happened for Steve Sarkisian … it's not," Mahler said in August during his show on 950 KJR. "It's not the first time."

However, the host did not specifically say what he was referring to on air and declined to elaborate on the record to a reporter.

At least one incident during Sarkisian's time at Washington bore some similarity to what happened in August at USC.

At the Duchess Tavern in Seattle, Sarkisian jumped up on the bar, drink in hand, for a speech to dozens of former players at their annual alumni gathering the night before Washington's spring football game in 2012.

"[He] looked adrenalized, hollering what football coaches do to get their guys going," said Bill Resler, a longtime university professor who witnessed the event.

The gesture seemed to fit the moment at the neighborhood bar less than a mile from campus, but some people in the room wondered whether something more than the coach's usual enthusiasm fueled the display.

"You could tell he was in the moment, but he wouldn't have done that if he wasn't drinking," said a former player in attendance.

One of the event's organizers said Sarkisian didn't appear to be under the influence, but Resler wasn't so sure.

"When he got off the bar, he was unsteady, looked like he had been over-served, and sat down, looked a little embarrassed that he was in that state," Resler said.

When Sarkisian arrived at Washington after seven years as a USC assistant, he inherited a moribund program that was 0-12 in 2008 under straightlaced coach Tyrone Willingham. Sarkisian assembled a young, energetic staff that frequently implored the players to have fun.

More than 800 pages of receipts, hotel folios and expense reports obtained by The Times from Sarkisian's tenure at Washington show alcohol was a constant presence.

In 2011, for example, Sarkisian picked up a bill at Suncadia Resort in Cle Elum, Wash., that included 83 beers and 12 shots of Grey Goose vodka. Twenty Washington coaches and their spouses are listed as attending.

During a one-night stay at the JW Marriott at L.A. Live in May 2011 for a speaking engagement, Sarkisian's hotel folio shows room service delivered a $90 bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne and a chocolate amenity, then six beers.

At the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix for a Pac-12 Conference head coach meetings, Sarkisian ran up $106 in minibar charges in one day in May 2012 and spent more than $1,600 over two days at the Renaissance Indian Wells Resort and Spa's pool bar in 2013.

Two receipts from Washington retreats in Indian Wells in 2012 and 2013 showed Sarkisian expensed $1,023 worth of alcohol at a restaurant. That included 91 shots of tequila, much of it Patron Silver. At least 16 people attended one of the gatherings; the attendance for the other wasn't clear.

Even some routine trips resulted in steep bar tabs, like a one-night recruiting visit by Sarkisian to Long Beach in 2010 that included $125.01 worth of unspecified beverages in one visit to the lobby bar and $104.01 in beverages at the same establishment a few months later. Another stay, this one at the Hollywood Roosevelt hotel in July 2011, resulted in a one-day beverage tab of $170.47.

Patrons and staff recognized Sarkisian at Seattle-area establishments such as The Ram near campus, Edgewater Hotel, 520 Bar and Grill, Roanoke Inn, Joey Bellevue as well as the Duchess. He was also said to be a frequent presence at two establishments that are now closed: Citrus and Joey Lake Union.

Two former Washington players said they encountered Sarkisian at the Edgewater on Seattle's waterfront during a 2011 concert by local musician Tess Henley.

One of the players, who worked as a bartender at another establishment, said they bumped into Sarkisian and a team staffer in the packed bar. The player described the coach as "clearly … wasted." The other player said Sarkisian hugged him, offered to buy him a drink and was "definitely drunk."

The same player said Sarkisian drank "copious amounts of Patron" amounting to "between eight and 10 shots" over several hours during weekly visits to Citrus on Lake Union.

Others around the Washington program say they saw Sarkisian drink, but never in excess or in a setting they considered inappropriate.

Erik Wilson, a former reserve quarterback, described a father-son relationship with a coach he viewed as a role model.

"He was always in complete control," Wilson said, "and I have never seen nor heard him getting out of control."

A former director of Washington's club for letter winners, John Otness, traveled to public appearances and events with Sarkisian and never noticed any concerning conduct.

"We all knew he was a Trojan at heart, but he became a Husky and made our program tick when we didn't have a lot going on," Otness said. "I never felt he was doing something another coach wouldn't do.

There is one exception. Chris Petersen, who replaced Sarkisian as Washington's coach, won't do events that involve drinking, Otness said.

Resler, who thought Sarkisian was unsteady at the 2012 event, has taught at Washington for more than 35 years. He described Sarkisian as "a perfectly nice guy" and said he became a season-ticket holder because of the coach's commitment to young people and to revitalizing the Husky football program.

Still, Resler "wasn't surprised" by Sarkisian's incident in August.

"Someone who could get over-served [here]," Resler said, "could get over-served at any function."

Thats wild!

[PigskinPat 2,579]

CBS Sports reporting USC has fired him.

[Strychnine 1,802]

CBS Sports reporting USC has fired him.

ESPN on it too.

http://espn.go.com/losangeles/college-football/story/_/id/13873288/steve-sarkisian-fired-usc-trojans-head-coach?ex_cid=espnTW

[aujeff11 6,243]

CBS Sports reporting USC has fired him.

As expected. Next time he will think twice about going 3-2 and losing to Washington.

[AU64 10,122]

CBS Sports reporting USC has fired him.

As expected. Next time he will think twice about going 3-2 and losing to Washington.

Bingo

[AUFlyer99 647]

Who wants to start the Saban to USCw tumors?

[Browning4AU 405]

It is kinda sketchy if USC did this merely because they are losing. They had to know about his alcoholism problems before today.

Knowing about it and giving him the chance(s)/steps to deal with it probably. But when standards are not met, then action is taken. Sounds like him not showing for practice was the next failure that led to next step of disciplinary action for the "disease." I don't think they can "punish" him for being an alcoholic, but they can take disciplinary action for not being at practice.

Kind of like Duke. I am sure Gus knew of his problems and gave him chances until he did not meet standards....

Alcoholism isn't a disease, its an addiction. People make conscience decisions to drink. They can definitely punish him for being an alcoholic. His list of acceptable or unacceptable behavior is likely in his contract. If he's at the point where he doesn't even attend a practice that he's supposed to be in charge of then he is in breach of his contract.

Alcoholism isn't necessarily a disease, but addiction is. Plenty of people drink, but don't become addicted. Everyone eats, but not everyone is "addicted" to food. There's something about some people that causes them to become addicted and those that don't face it can't understand it.

[Nay4AU 2]

I wish Coach Sarkisian the best as he battles his problem with alcohol. In the meantime, I wish Clay Helton the best as well as he takes over the reigns at USC. I remember when Clay played QB at Auburn. If I remember correctly, he was a good guy. While he was at Auburn (90-92) his dad was a coach with the Raiders. In1993 his dad got the University of Houston job & he transferred there to finish his playing career.

[JBiGGiE 2,488]

Who wants to start the Saban to USCw tumors?

I'd expect that if the Texas dumpster fire keeps burning they'll reconsider how much Saban is worth. The Oklahoma win was nice but they were never going to be any better than 3rd in the Big 12 (10). That said, I don't think that win quite smothers the smelly fires.

But yeah, let's get that rumor going too!

[AUFlyer99 647]

Who wants to start the Saban to USCw tumors?

I'd expect that if the Texas dumpster fire keeps burning they'll reconsider how much Saban is worth. The Oklahoma win was nice but they were never going to be any better than 3rd in the Big 12 (10). That said, I don't think that win quite smothers the smelly fires.

But yeah, let's get that rumor going too!

I dunno. I believe that win bought Charlie another year.

[Potatooooooes!! 1,375]

It is kinda sketchy if USC did this merely because they are losing. They had to know about his alcoholism problems before today.

Knowing about it and giving him the chance(s)/steps to deal with it probably. But when standards are not met, then action is taken. Sounds like him not showing for practice was the next failure that led to next step of disciplinary action for the "disease." I don't think they can "punish" him for being an alcoholic, but they can take disciplinary action for not being at practice.

Kind of like Duke. I am sure Gus knew of his problems and gave him chances until he did not meet standards....

Alcoholism isn't a disease, its an addiction. People make conscience decisions to drink. They can definitely punish him for being an alcoholic. His list of acceptable or unacceptable behavior is likely in his contract. If he's at the point where he doesn't even attend a practice that he's supposed to be in charge of then he is in breach of his contract.

Alcoholism isn't necessarily a disease, but addiction is. Plenty of people drink, but don't become addicted. Everyone eats, but not everyone is "addicted" to food. There's something about some people that causes them to become addicted and those that don't face it can't understand it.

Forgive my ignorance, but doesn't a person that suffers from alcoholism suffer from an addiction as well? You know, to alcohol?

[Randman5000 4,226]

This is so bizarre..the guy needs to get his priorities straight. Going through a divorce is not helping his drinking problem..USC got their lawyers to do their homework today.

probably best for both.

NO RUMORS ALLOWED HERE

It's not a rumor its in the article posted above.

[cole256 17,046]

Talk about getting alot of chances...

[Randman5000 4,226]

http://espn.go.com/losangeles/college-football/story/_/id/13864229/usc-trojans-head-coach-steve-sarkisian-take-leave-absence

"Sarkisian is going through a divorce. His behavior while apparently under the influence of alcohol and painkillers at the Salute to Troy function in August drew national headlines, and he later apologized.

"He was dealing with family issues all [saturday] night, but he hasn't been in a good place all season," a source told ESPN.

[WarTim 3,456]

Clay Helton interim. Correct me if I am wrong....Isn't he a former AU TIGER ???

[Strychnine 1,802]

Clay Helton interim. Correct me if I am wrong....Isn't he a former AU TIGER ???

Yeah. Think he was buried behind Stan White and Patrick Nix, leading him to transfer to Houston.

[AUwent 3,748]

Speaking of USCw, today's the tenth anniversary of the "Bu$h Push."

I was never sold on the Trojans, and honestly it was because if Sark's divorce. I hope he gets his life together.

[Randman5000 4,226]

Speaking of USCw, today's the tenth anniversary of the "Bu$h Push."

I was never sold on the Trojans, and honestly it was because if Sark's divorce. I hope he gets his life together.

I watched the 30 for 30 today, saw Sark on the sidelines. They were so arrogant even in the doc after they lost, got stripped of everything. Wish we had that shot at them in 04

[BJ17 0]

Mike Price 2.0 maybe??