Alcohol is now banned from the USC football locker room. This resolution comes on the heels of USC coach Steve Sarkisian getting in hot water over his behavior at the Trojans' Salute to Troy event over the weekend.
Sarkisian was drunk and used vulgar language, according to CBS Sports.
This decision to ban alcohol made sense from a PR perspective considering the Sarkisian incident at Saturday night's event. Already a story the Trojans would like to see go away, if Coach Sarkisian were to be found drinking after a game it would only create more questions and a possible distraction for the program.
Sources within the athletic department administration said that Sarkisian drank alcohol in the USC locker room after home and away games last season, according to the Los Angeles Times.
There was a culture of drinking present, believed to be a carryover from Sarkisian's days at the University of Washington. A former UW athletic department employee said "There were always beers and stuff around," according to The Seattle Times.
A high school senior who has committed to the Trojans said Monday that the incident involving Sarkisian does not affect his view of the coach and the program.
C.J. Pollard, a defensive back from Gardena Serra and the son of former USC player Marvin Pollard said his father attended the Salute to Troy event on Saturday.
Pollard said Sarkisian was a good guy and everybody makes mistakes.
"I still believe in him and can rely on him," he said, "and don't question his ability to coach the team."
The account of the Saturday night event allegedly leading to the alcohol ban was previously reported by HNGN.
