Steve Sarkisian has sued the University of Southern California, alleging the school breached the football coach’s contract and discriminated against him on the basis of a disability by firing him this fall.
Sarkisian’s complaint was filed Monday in Los Angeles County Court. Sarkisian’s lawyer, Alan Loewinsohn, told TMZ Sports that Sarkisian is seeking more than $30 million and at least the $12.6 million that was remaining on his contract.
Sarkisian uses the phrase “kicked him to the curb” in claiming he should have been allowed to seek treatment for alcoholism. Instead, athletic director Pat Haden fired Sarkisian one day after he started a leave of absence.
Sarkisian gives his first detailed descriptions of the events surrounding his firing Oct. 12, five games into his second season in the high-profile position. The coach was fired one day after Haden says Sarkisian showed up to the school in no condition to work.
Sarkisian says his job stress and his wife’s divorce filing contributed to his dependency on alcohol.