USC coach Steve Sarkisian apologized on Sunday for his behavior at the Salute to Troy gathering Saturday evening, the kickoff event for the program attended by alumni, boosters and others close to the program.
"I sincerely apologize to my players and staff and to our fans for my behavior and my inappropriate language at our kickoff event Saturday night," said USC Football Coach Steve Sarkisian, according to NFL.com. "I have a responsibility to all of them and I let them down. Pat Haden talked to me after the event about my actions and I assured him this will not happen again."
During his rant, the coach announced that Oregon, Notre Dame and Arizona State all "suck" and used profanity during team introductions. After being pulled aside by USC officials, Sarkisian was allegedly removed from the event as team assistants finished the ceremony, according to The Bleacher Report.
[ESPN Video] Sarkisian in hot water over actions at pep rally: USC head coach Steve Sarkisian uses some ... https://t.co/qn2BX8wGPZ #USC
— USC Trojans (@BR_Trojans) August 23, 2015
"I met with Coach Sarkisian, and I expressed my disappointment in the way he represented himself and the university at our Salute to Troy event," athletic director Pat Haden said in a statement. "While the details of our conversation will remain between us, I am confident he heard my message loud and clear."
A team source provided ESPN with a video of Sarkisian's time onstage, according to ESPN. Sarkisian appeared to be drunk and was slurring his words, the team source told ESPN's Shelley Smith. "Our whole team is embarrassed," said the source, who added that Haden intervened and was seen berating Sarkisian backstage afterward.
