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What I've Been Reading This Week: Steve Sarkisian Edition


Over the past week or so, I have had several trials which have kept me busy.  As a result, I have again not had as much time to read through articles as I would have liked.  With that being said, I came across several articles that I think readers will enjoy in regard to the recent wrongful termination suit filed by former Southern California Coach Steve Sarkisian.  This one is just getting started and warrants a special post.

As always, below are a few articles that caught my eye this week.


A Closer Look at Steve Sarkisian's Lawsuit Against Southern California

Sports Illustrated has a well written, in depth look at the $30 million wrongful termination suit that former Southern California Coach Steve Sarkisian brought against the school after he was terminated earlier this year.  (Coach Steve Sarkisian Fired From Southern California).  In his suit, Sarkisian alleged that he was wrongfully terminated because of a disability, due to being an alcoholic.  Southern California will likely argue that even if Sarkisian suffered from a disability, the University complied with the law.  Even if Sarkisian had requested an accommodation for his disability, I would expect Southern California to allege that the accommodation request exceeded what would be considered "reasonable" under the Americans With Disabilities Act. 



The Los Angeles Times has a good note on Southern California's response to Steve Sarkisian's wrongful termination lawsuit.  As of this point, the University has not filed a formal response in court.  However, they have stated that "Much of what is stated in the [Sarkisian] lawsuit...is patently untrue."  What will likely become a major issue as the wrongful termination claim proceeds is whether Sarkisian informed the University of his need for help and whether he resisted efforts to obtain help.  As of now, Southern California has alleged that Sarkisian failed to do this...something that contradicts what was alleged in Sarkisian's lawsuit.  



As former Coach Steve Sarkisian's wrongful termination suit proceeds, the spotlight will likely turn on what Southern California Athletic Director Pat Haden did or did not say and what he did or did not do once he was aware of a potential issue with Sarkisian.  The Orange County Register's writer, Jeff Miller, has a fascinating look at how that relationship between Sarkisian and Haden could be what this case turns on...and who a jury finds to be more believable.  If you believe Sarkisian, the University and Haden did not accommodate his disability and wrongfully terminated Sarkisian when he sought treatment.  If you believe the University and Haden, Sarkisian never made Southern California aware of a disability and even resisted the University's attempts to help him.  This will be interesting to watch unfold.

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