After 18 games at the University of Southern California, the Steve Sarkisian era has come to an end. Sarkisian was fired on Monday, October 12, 2015 after it was announced on October 11th that he would take an indefinite leave of absence.

Here is a statement from USC Athletic Director Pat Haden, "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."

It is clear that Sarkisian has an issue and first and foremost it is one that needs to be taken care of immediately in order to get better. Sarkisian, also known as Sark, is currently going through a divorce, but does not explain away his actions.

Earlier in the season he appeared to be under the influence of something during a speech he gave at the “Salute to Troy”. It later came out that he was on pain medications and consumed alcohol while at the function. Sark later issued an apology for his actions.

Sark got his first head coaching job when he took the over a University of Washington team that went 0-12 during the 2008 season. He led the Huskies to a 5-7 record his first season and took the program to a bowl game in 2010. His best record while at Washington was 8-4 and led them to their fourth straight bowl game. He did not coach them in their bowl game as he was named the head coach at USC.

On a personal note, yours truly once came across coach Sark one day at a bar near the University of Washington. In the 90 minutes or so that he was at the bar, he consumed several alcoholic drinks including no less than six shots of tequila that he easily consumed within a 15 minute period.

At the time, one could think he was just having a bad day and letting off some steam. Now after several accusations of Sark possibly being drunk during practices and even a game this season against Arizona State, it is clear that Sark has an issue and needs to get it resolved.

Yours truly wishes Sark and his family the best and hopes he can rebound from this horrible addiction.

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About the author
Chris Blakely
Chris is an American sports journalist based out of Seattle, Washington. Co-Editor of the soccer section of VAVEL USA. He also is the leading editor of VAVEL USA's NWSL section.