Sark

[OSUCat]

A better place for this.

[CalStateTempe]

What I posted in the Pac-12 thread.

This is what happens when employers don't have a specific drug and alcohol policy and/or a specific plans for connection with a substance abuse professional for reasonable suspicion or impairment at work.

I would say his behavior at the Trojan alumni group would constitute impairment and reasonable suspicion.

yup

and

It is very concerning that he is airing this to the press.

Haden is opening himself up to a HUGE HIPAA violation and lawsuit considering how he is handling Sark publicly.

(thanks Dill for the correction)

[wyo-cat]

Didn't even think of HIPPA....damn.

[OSUCat]

Didn't even think of HIPPA....damn.

Me either....

[OSUCat]

To make it more official.

[CalStateTempe]

It's ok. I think of it everyday. In my line of work, confidentiality is sacrosanct and I have no tolerance for colleagues or staff who violate it.

[SCCats]

To make it more official.

Only six weeks or so too late.

What an epic clusterfuck.

[CalStateTempe]

Ok, so maybe we can pencil USC as a win?



'Rado, USC, and Wazzu gets us to 7 wins and the rest is gravy.

I kid, I kid (too soon?)

[SCCats]

Ok, so maybe we can pencil USC as a win?



'Rado, USC, and Wazzu gets us to 7 wins and the rest is gravy.

I kid, I kid (too soon?)

They might play better under an interim coach or, in fact, under no coach at all.

Either of those things have to be better than playing under drunk Lane Kiffin.

[azcat49]

I am thinking more of running the table with the UDub game being the toughest as long as Anu stays upright.

That interior line of Bundage, Tagaloa and Alsadek is really a great run blocking group

[FightWildcatsFight]

[Fishclamps]

Ok, so maybe we can pencil USC as a win?



'Rado, USC, and Wazzu gets us to 7 wins and the rest is gravy.

I kid, I kid (too soon?)

They might play better under an interim coach or, in fact, under no coach at all.

Either of those things have to be better than playing under drunk Lane Kiffin.

They played lights out for Ed Orgeron, then hired sark...

[the real dill]

What I posted in the Pac-12 thread.

This is what happens when employers don't have a specific drug and alcohol policy and/or a specific plans for connection with a substance abuse professional for reasonable suspicion or impairment at work.

I would say his behavior at the Trojan alumni group would constitute impairment and reasonable suspicion.

yup

and

It is very concerning that he is airing this to the press.

Haden is opening himself up to a HUGE HIPPA violation and lawsuit considering how he is handling Sark publicly.

*HIPAA

Hope he gets help

[CalStateTempe]

Thanks Dill. overlooked that.

[CalStateTempe]

I am thinking more of running the table with the UDub game being the toughest as long as Anu stays upright.

That interior line of Bundage, Tagaloa and Alsadek is really a great run blocking group

maybe this isn't the right thread, but Utah is looking damn good.

I know we get them at home, but Id be surprised if we beat them.

[OSUCat]

[Main Event]

[CalStateTempe]

Football aside, This is really sad.

Get help Sark.

[Gladiator Cat]

OK seriously, if you have unnamed assistant coaches talking openly about Sark being drunk during a game then there is serious internal issues at USC. I think their arrogance and hubris as a program has caught up with them.

I don't see how Sark ever returns to the sidelines as an employed head coach at USC. But you never know because Haden's job itself may well be on the line after this clusterf**k of a hire.

Sarks drinking problem had to be well known before arriving at USC.

[CalStateTempe]

OK seriously, if you have unnamed assistant coaches talking openly about Sark being drunk during a game then there is serious internal issues at USC. I think their arrogance and hubris as a program has caught up with them.

I don't see how Sark ever returns to the sidelines as an employed head coach at USC. But you never know because Haden's job itself may well be on the line after this clusterf**k of a hire.

Sarks drinking problem had to be well known before arriving at USC.

After the Troy event, he should have been directed to USC's employee assistance program and whatever doctor is on staff for the institution to deal with medical/psychological impairment issues among employees.

A nice, hush hush plan could have been worked out.

I'd bet the farm, NONE of that happened.

[OSUCat]

Just to add emphasis on the ASU drunk part Main posted earlier.

[Gladiator Cat]

Oh yes I completely agree. Right now Pat Haden and USC are in complete panic mode.

Pandora is out of the box and it looks ugly at USC football.

I've said it before, USC is the type of school that can get away with a situation like this most of the time and overcome it pretty quickly.

On the other hand, the same situation at a school like Arizona, it would devastate the program for years to come.

[OSUCat]

The coaches had to be furious if Sark showed up drunk to the ASU game. Players should be furious, parents should be furious, alumni should be furious. I wouldn't allow me kid to to goto that type of culture or situation. Get the guy help, but you can't let him be the HC, and probably should have been dealt with sooner. I never thought Sark was USC good, but if he gets treatment he should be able to find a new place to coach.I guess the first step is for Sark to admit he has a problem.

The whole thing is really is shocking to me. I haven't been around people that have had these types of addictions, so maybe this type of thing is on par.

[CalStateTempe]

The coaches had to be furious if Sark showed up drunk to the ASU game. Players should be furious, parents should be furious, alumni should be furious. I wouldn't allow me kid to to goto that type of culture or situation. Get the guy help, but you can't let him be the HC, and probably should have been dealt with sooner. I never thought Sark was USC good, but if he gets treatment he should be able to find a new place to coach.I guess the first step is for Sark to admit he has a problem.

The whole thing is really is shocking to me. I haven't been around people that have had these types of addictions, so maybe this type of thing is on par.

As far as coaching, Sark is on the fast track to a UTEP type school, and only if he can get his personal life turned around.

[Irish27]

I hear Dennis Erickson is interested in the USC position if it opens.

[CalStateTempe]

I hear Dennis Erickson is interested in the USC position if it opens.

[CalStateTempe]

https://twitter.com/InsideUSC?ref_src=t ... r%5Eauthor" target="_blank

inside USC is really spilling the beans.

Kiffen had liquor in the equipment truck, Ed O banned it, Sark brought it back.

Addiction experts in August knew that Sark needed to be in treatment.

If there is a paper trail, USC is fucked.

[gumby]

I feel like I'm stealing gumby's thunder here, but let the list begin...

"7-and-7 Win Sark"
"Cutty Sark"

Those are the easy kills. Others out there I'm sure...

Just saw this thread. Was coming to make a Cutty Sark joke. You know me well.

[Merkin]

Fireball shots do have less alcohol than Patron, so I guess that is a step in the right direction.

[CalStateTempe]

Yup. From the first article Merkin posted.

And yet, how can USC fire Sarkisian for having an alcohol problem — a legitimate disease — when school officials waited two months too long to make him own up to it and seek help for it?

That doesn’t seem fair, and it may be illegal.

That’s the mess the Trojans now find themselves in, and it all stems from Haden’s decision in August to let him keep coaching rather than mandate that he take the year off to seek treatment and come back healthy in 2016.

[pc in NM]

Yup. From the first article Merkin posted.

And yet, how can USC fire Sarkisian for having an alcohol problem — a legitimate disease — when school officials waited two months too long to make him own up to it and seek help for it?

That doesn’t seem fair, and it may be illegal.

That’s the mess the Trojans now find themselves in, and it all stems from Haden’s decision in August to let him keep coaching rather than mandate that he take the year off to seek treatment and come back healthy in 2016.

An addict who is actively using is NOT protected under ADA; an addict in recovery may request reasonable accomatation....

I would expect USC will support him through inpatient treatment, but would be surprised if he is ever reinistated to active status as head coach.

[Fishclamps]

Really should have hired Orgeron...

[Harvey Specter]

Really should have hired Orgeron...

No, they shouldn't have... And posting it multiple times does not make it any less faulty.

Order on is reportedly a great recruiter and solid position coach, who had a nice run as the interim coach. He had a stint as HC was an abject failure. He might have been as good of a hire as either Kiffin or Sark... But none of the 3 should have been even considered.

This is USC. I cannot believe how deep they have gone bottom fishing for their recent FB coaching hires.

[cordera89]

Really should have hired Orgeron...

No, they shouldn't have... And posting it multiple times does not make it any less faulty.

Order on is reportedly a great recruiter and solid position coach, who had a nice run as the interim coach. He had a stint as HC was an abject failure. He might have been as good of a hire as either Kiffin or Sark... But none of the 3 should have been even considered.

This is USC. I cannot believe how deep they have gone bottom fishing for their recent FB coaching hires.

That the Pete Carrol Coaching Tree for ya. Who would be better to coach the almighty USC.

[dc4azcats]

Yup. From the first article Merkin posted.

And yet, how can USC fire Sarkisian for having an alcohol problem — a legitimate disease — when school officials waited two months too long to make him own up to it and seek help for it?

That doesn’t seem fair, and it may be illegal.

That’s the mess the Trojans now find themselves in, and it all stems from Haden’s decision in August to let him keep coaching rather than mandate that he take the year off to seek treatment and come back healthy in 2016.

An addict who is actively using is NOT protected under ADA; an addict in recovery may request reasonable accomatation....

I would expect USC will support him through inpatient treatment, but would be surprised if he is ever reinistated to active status as head coach.

Not true. Multiple HR people who have dealt with similar situations have stated that Sark is most definitely protected under ADA. Remember Haden had said a few weeks ago that Sark would voluntarily get some help. Sark at the time said he didn't think he had a problem but he would seek help to see if he did.

[CalStateTempe]

Yup. From the first article Merkin posted.

And yet, how can USC fire Sarkisian for having an alcohol problem — a legitimate disease — when school officials waited two months too long to make him own up to it and seek help for it?

That doesn’t seem fair, and it may be illegal.

That’s the mess the Trojans now find themselves in, and it all stems from Haden’s decision in August to let him keep coaching rather than mandate that he take the year off to seek treatment and come back healthy in 2016.

An addict who is actively using is NOT protected under ADA; an addict in recovery may request reasonable accomatation....

I would expect USC will support him through inpatient treatment, but would be surprised if he is ever reinistated to active status as head coach.

Not true. Multiple HR people who have dealt with similar situations have stated that Sark is most definitely protected under ADA. Remember Haden had said a few weeks ago that Sark would voluntarily get some help. Sark at the time said he didn't think he had a problem but he would seek help to see if he did.

Which is why USC is in a hell of a mess for not following protocol in these situations.

In real world, coach would mandated to go through a substance abuse professional, develop of plan for remediation, and when completing treatment, for whatever that treatment may be, then is cleared by the SAP before being reinstated. If someone lapses during the probationary period, they are done and fired with cause. The ADA does cover alcoholics who are NOT currently drinking, but it offers no protections to those that are.

What PC said is true: In USC world, it appears that outside that none of this was followed. (I would have been all over risk management after the Hail Troy event to ensure we where doing things by the book. By the book does NOT put the onus on Sark to get help) Alcoholics will be the first to admit that they have a problem and it often takes external factors (family, employer, etc) to get them to the help that they need.

USC could be on the hook here for his treatment, but they are likely clear from his buyout and do not have to reinstate him, because he showed up to the workplace impaired, if what is said about the ASU game is true, and this mornings events.

Not every HR person knows the laws of FMLA and the ADA as they should, and often either 1) makes exceptions for "valued" members of an employer, or 2) does not know the nuances well enough to even know when their policies governing the health and safety of their employers are faulty. When employers do not have established policies for impairment, they end up in the mess that USC finds itself in.

[Fishclamps]

Really should have hired Orgeron...

No, they shouldn't have... And posting it multiple times does not make it any less faulty.

Order on is reportedly a great recruiter and solid position coach, who had a nice run as the interim coach. He had a stint as HC was an abject failure. He might have been as good of a hire as either Kiffin or Sark... But none of the 3 should have been even considered.

This is USC. I cannot believe how deep they have gone bottom fishing for their recent FB coaching hires.

Agreed to disagree then. Coaching in the SEC and coaching in the Pac could be wildly different, what do I know. He did well as the interim coach though, and the players had his back. Doesn't seem like any of the USC players have given two flying fucks about Sark since he got there.

I mean RR flopped hard at Michigan, but it was a bad fit and he got shafted by Lloyd Carr. Sometimes when stuff doesn't work out you never find out the truth. Who knows what may have contributed to Orgeron's downfall at Ole Miss.

Long story short, Orgeron did well as the interim and Sark was already known as a mediocre coach at Washington, so it was a dumb hire.

[az91]

USC should fire Pat Haden on Monday for this debacle.

[catgrad97]

USC is far too busy with damage control to have anyone even down the road in mind to right the ship, unless they elevate John McKay--and he's far too old and, even so, has got too much horse sense to even consider that hot fire of a job on an interim basis.

This is what happens when you keep hiring former athletes who aren't engaged in policy framing or discussions. You end up with zero football men who can run a clean program and still mollify the boosters.

[RazorsEdgeAZ]

Hopefully the treatment helps Sark and Sark willing to get help. Feel bad for his family, kids (just divorced). Sark will never return to USC coaching and difficult for Sark to ever coach FBS again. But He's young, so there's time. But will be awhile.

Looks like this started long ago. Who knows when...

LAtimes obtained 100's of receipts and expense reports from Washington days. Talked to several people from there as well. His Drinking prevalent there along with public episodes.

Not sure how common it is in FBS to have coaches allowed to pack or do pack alcohol on game trips, have on campus or in locker rooms, but expect this will create some discussion about that too.

http://www.latimes.com/sports/usc/la-sp ... story.html

[OSUCat]

That LA times article paints a pretty bad picture that seems to go beyond just going through a recent divorce.

During a stop at a rib joint in Nashville in January 2013, for example, Sarkisian and three assistants ordered four shots of Patron Silver, four shots of an unspecified liquor and five beers. The coach cashed out at 11:53 a.m.

Some associated with Washington's football program remain unabashed supporters. But Sarkisian's use of alcohol became a running joke among some Washington players, some of whom spoke about the topic on the condition they not be named because of the personal nature of the issue

At the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix for a Pac-12 Conference head coach meetings, Sarkisian ran up $106 in minibar charges in one day in May 2012 and spent more than $1,600 over two days at the Renaissance Indian Wells Resort and Spa's pool bar in 2013.

"Coach Sark is still having fun at USC!" former Huskies tight end Michael Hartvigson wrote on Twitter at the time. He added the hashtag #ThingsHaventChanged.

Two of Sarkisian's highest-profile players at Washington, defensive lineman Danny Shelton and linebacker Shaq Thompson, both high NFL draft picks this year, joined in the social media quips.

Shelton tweeted a sarcastic #shocked hashtag in reference to the incident. Thompson responded with an emoji laughing and shedding tears.

[Merkin]

At the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix for a Pac-12 Conference head coach meetings, Sarkisian ran up $106 in minibar charges in one day

3 drinks?

[Chicat]

At the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix for a Pac-12 Conference head coach meetings, Sarkisian ran up $106 in minibar charges in one day

3 drinks?

Tin of cashews.

[michcat]

At the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix for a Pac-12 Conference head coach meetings, Sarkisian ran up $106 in minibar charges in one day

3 drinks?

Been there, done that. 3 diet cokes and a bag of chips....

[dc4azcats]

Yup. From the first article Merkin posted.

And yet, how can USC fire Sarkisian for having an alcohol problem — a legitimate disease — when school officials waited two months too long to make him own up to it and seek help for it?

That doesn’t seem fair, and it may be illegal.

That’s the mess the Trojans now find themselves in, and it all stems from Haden’s decision in August to let him keep coaching rather than mandate that he take the year off to seek treatment and come back healthy in 2016.

An addict who is actively using is NOT protected under ADA; an addict in recovery may request reasonable accomatation....

I would expect USC will support him through inpatient treatment, but would be surprised if he is ever reinistated to active status as head coach.

Not true. Multiple HR people who have dealt with similar situations have stated that Sark is most definitely protected under ADA. Remember Haden had said a few weeks ago that Sark would voluntarily get some help. Sark at the time said he didn't think he had a problem but he would seek help to see if he did.

Which is why USC is in a hell of a mess for not following protocol in these situations.

In real world, coach would mandated to go through a substance abuse professional, develop of plan for remediation, and when completing treatment, for whatever that treatment may be, then is cleared by the SAP before being reinstated. If someone lapses during the probationary period, they are done and fired with cause. The ADA does cover alcoholics who are NOT currently drinking, but it offers no protections to those that are.

What PC said is true: In USC world, it appears that outside that none of this was followed. (I would have been all over risk management after the Hail Troy event to ensure we where doing things by the book. By the book does NOT put the onus on Sark to get help) Alcoholics will be the first to admit that they have a problem and it often takes external factors (family, employer, etc) to get them to the help that they need.

USC could be on the hook here for his treatment, but they are likely clear from his buyout and do not have to reinstate him, because he showed up to the workplace impaired, if what is said about the ASU game is true, and this mornings events.

Not every HR person knows the laws of FMLA and the ADA as they should, and often either 1) makes exceptions for "valued" members of an employer, or 2) does not know the nuances well enough to even know when their policies governing the health and safety of their employers are faulty. When employers do not have established policies for impairment, they end up in the mess that USC finds itself in.

I hear ya CST but the HR person I know worked for Tucson Electric Power and discussed with company lawyers what they could and couldn't do. Not to mention a lawyer on the other site said Sark is protected by the ADA. I'm not a lawyer nor am I in HR but in cases where things like this are up for interpretation, you can bet that Sark can afford the best lawyers out there to make his case for him.

[CatsbyAZ]

Hopefully the treatment helps Sark and Sark willing to get help. Feel bad for his family, kids (just divorced). Sark will never return to USC coaching and difficult for Sark to ever coach FBS again. But He's young, so there's time. [/url]

Don't anybody kid themselves with sympathy for Sark and his situation. Hoping he gets help should be a secondary reaction. Fury should be the reigning emotion. This guy, not ironically named KeenObserver over at WeAreSC, said it better than I could've:
http://www.wearesc.com/forums/forum/mai ... y-for-sark

Before I get the stay classy non sense. Let me just say that I've seen enough episodes of intervention to know just how self absorbed addicts are and how much carnage they do to the people around them. Sure I can feel for the condition but I cannot forgive the behavior. Sark wasn't going back to his room and downing a bottle of cheap vodka. He was bellying up to the bar, doing shots and basically making an ass of himself. So he didn't get the sigh when his wife handed him his papers and didn't get the sign when he was publicly outed at the spirit of Troy and now can't even get to practice sober.

So I know so people will tell me that he is a human being suffering and needs our support and blah blah blah. Well I see your bleeding heart with a Sark can go ---- himself. He basically stole 3 million dollars-- paid by tuition, athletic boosters and your ticket dollars.He is supposed to be the leader of young men, many of whom have millions at stake themselves-- not to mention people like Daelin Hayes who is deciding to mover 1500 miles away and already putting in papers to start his college career. Of course us alumni and fans have to hear all of the humiliating comments by the other fan bases.

When I get around to it, my next thread will chronicle the absolute incompetent suckitude that is Pat Haden, but he's just as bad as Drunky Shitstorm.

FOs all the way around Fight on to the players but fuck off to Sark and Haden. Total assholes.

edit, took out some of the cussing

[Merkin]

Needs to find a less stressful job like in the broadcast or network booth.

Both John Madden and Dick Vitale have commented on how much easier it is than coaching. Don't know what to do with all their free time. Some people who are natural in the booth (RichRod) miss the excitement and camaraderie though. Even Mackovic left the comfort of the network show.

[splitsecond]

At the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix for a Pac-12 Conference head coach meetings, Sarkisian ran up $106 in minibar charges in one day

3 drinks?

Yeah that is basically nothing. Or maybe I am also a self-absorbed alcoholic.

[gumby]

Needs to find a less stressful job like in the broadcast or network booth.

Both John Madden and Dick Vitale have commented on how much easier it is than coaching. Don't know what to do with all their free time. Some people who are natural in the booth (RichRod) miss the excitement and camaraderie though. Even Mackovic left the comfort of the network show.

And should not following recruiting. That makes people cray cray.

[gumby]

The biggest scandal is that a millionaire was drinking Coors Light in the land of a thousand microbreweries.

But, seriously, I was at the Cal-UW game and noticed The Zone, between the stadium and the lake. It's where they sell booze, er, I mean, it's where they have "full service." There's a kiddie play area, too. Thoughtful.

When Cal moved out to a two-score lead, the place became packed. And, of course, thousands of people missed both kickoffs while at this cocktail party.

Universities foster this environment for the bucks, but then have to turn pious when something like this happens.

Can't watch a game without drinking? Drinking before and after is "unacceptable?" Sounds like a drinking problem to me.