Steve Sarkisian "Sent Home" From USC Football Practice, Temporary Leave of Absence?

Steve Sarkisian rumors are flying at USC just days after the Trojans were upset at home by the Washington Huskies. This much we know: The Trojans practiced today. Sarkisian wasn’t there at the end of practice. It’s unclear why. The rest of the athletic department, it seems, was at practice:

#USC athletic department members J.K McKay, Pat Haden and Steve Lopes all were at practice, but no Sark.
— Ryan Abraham (@insidetroy) October 11, 2015

Could it have been a recruiting trip? That’s one logical explanation. But given Sark’s recent history with alcohol, who knows. It seems extremely unlikely that the Trojans would fire Sark in October just because of two home losses. He’s coached just 18 games at USC (12-6).

Speculation though, is flying:

A #USC source called me during practice to say Steve Sarkisian was not in "good shape" this morning
— InsideUSC (@InsideUSC) October 11, 2015

Sarkisian not at practice. Players told to go to meeting right at end #USC
— InsideUSC (@InsideUSC) October 11, 2015

Two sources at USC say Steve Sarkisian was sent home by athletic director Pat Haden earlier today.
— Bryan Fischer (@BryanDFischer) October 11, 2015

I'm told players just met w/Pat Haden and Clay Helton is interim coach as Haden has asked Sarkisian to take a temp. leave of absence #USC
— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) October 11, 2015