Steve Sarkisian Sues USC: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction

Former USC head football coach Steve Sarkisian has sued the school for the circumstances surrounding his dismissal from the Trojans.

TMZ Sports reported the news, indicating a main allegation in the lawsuit is that Sarkisian was fired for having a disability. His attorney also spoke on the matter.

"Alcoholism is a recognized disability under California law. So firing somebody because of that disability is against the law," Sarkisian's attorney Alan Loewinsohn said, per TMZ.

The suit says that the stress of the job and Sarkisian's divorce led to depression and "furthered his dependence on alcohol," per Nathan Fenno of the Los Angeles Times. 

USC issued a statement regarding the lawsuit, via Bleacher Report's Bryan Fischer: 

Sarkisian, 41, lost his job in October due to some unbecoming behavior that seemed to stem from alcohol abuse. He reportedly had issues with alcohol dating back to his head coaching stint with the Washington Huskies and checked in to a treatment facility when USC fired him.

In October, ESPN's Joe Schad noted the possibility that a "for-cause firing attempt" could lead to a spat between Sarkisian and USC due to the language in his contract. Schad noted the complaint asks for "at least $12.6 million."

The Trojans finished the regular season with an 8-4 record and earned a berth in the Pac-12 title game, which they lost to Stanford 41-22. Clay Helton took over for Sarkisian on an interim basis and has now been named the permanent successor as USC gears up for the Holiday Bowl against Wisconsin on December 30.