Steve Sarkisian Suing USC for Breach of Contract, Discrimination, Over His Firing

Steve Sarkisian has filed a lawsuit against USC seeking over $30 million for the way he was fired, according to a report from TMZ. The former football coach was fired on October 12 and entered a rehabilitation center. The grounds for the suit would be that the university violated California law and the Americans with Disability Act, which recognizes alcoholism as a disability.

Heres a relevant section from an ADA Q&A:

"Q. Are alcoholics covered by the ADA? A. Yes. While a current illegal user of drugs is not protected by the ADA if an employer acts on the basis of such use, a person who currently uses alcohol is not automatically denied protection. An alcoholic is a person with a disability and is protected by the ADA if s/he is qualified to perform the essential functions of the job. An employer may be required to provide an accommodation to an alcoholic. However, an employer can discipline, discharge or deny employment to an alcoholic whose use of alcohol adversely affects job performance or conduct. An employer also may prohibit the use of alcohol in the workplace and can require that employees not be under the influence of alcohol."

Sarkisian admitted being under the influence of alcohol during the Trojans’ preseason Salute to Troy event. There were also allegations he was intoxicated during the Arizona State game.

The section of the act addressing the individuals’ job performance and conduct could be key to the university’s argument as this progresses. There may also have been behind-the-scenes discussions between Sarkisian and USC brass that will prove germane.

What’s clear is that USC’s naming of a permanent coach in Clay Helton did not put the Sarkisian era in the rearview window. Early reports of the lawsuit suggest things will get contentious.

[TMZ]