Steve Sarkisian Will Enter Treatment for Drinking After Salute to Troy Event

USC head football coach Steve Sarkisian once again apologized for his actions at Saturday night's Salute to Troy gathering and announced Tuesday he's seeking treatment in the wake of the incident.  

Brett McMurphy of ESPN.com noted the 41-year-old coach, who's heading into his second season leading the Trojans, isn't sure whether he has a drinking problem: "I don't believe so, but I'm going to find that out. I'm going to treatment."

Sarkisian admitted his actions over the weekend were completely out of line and hopes the treatment can help him avoid similar problems in the future, per McMurphy: "The way I acted was irresponsible. There are things we're going to work on for me, moving forward."

He also provided some further details about the reason for his actions: "The moral of the story is if you mix meds w alcohol, you say things or do things you regret," per Stewart Mandel of Fox Sports on Twitter.

Sarkisian previously apologized for the situation Sunday when reports began to surface of a speech where he slurred words and used profanity, according to Dan Wolken of USA Today. The report notes both the coach and athletic director Pat Haden confirmed they spoke about the situation afterward.

Quarterback Cody Kessler said Sarkisian accepted punishment from the players, doing a series of up-downs, per Mandel. The quarterback believes the situation could actually help the team in the long run, as reported by McMurphy: "He apologized to us as a man. He earned more respect. It brought us closer together as a team. We support him 100 percent."

Sarkisian deserves credit for addressing the situation swiftly and starting the process of getting the consultation he needs to ensure this issue isn't repeated. It should help the team move past the incident so it can focus on the new season.

He didn't say whether he would be forced to miss any coaching duties as a result of the upcoming treatment, and he returned to the practice field to resume business as usual after meeting with the media.

USC is set to open the 2015 campaign against Arkansas State on Sept. 5.