Steve Sarkisian says conversation with USC president went ‘great’

USC Coach Steve Sarkisian, who has been embroiled in controversy since appearing inebriated at a booster event on campus last week, said Wednesday that he had spoken to USC President Max Nikias.

“It went great,” Sarkisian said after practice.

Sarkisian told reporters at a news conference Tuesday that his condition at the Salute to Troy event was the result of mixing an unspecified amount of alcohol with an unspecified medication. He said that with Athletic Director Pat Haden’s counsel, he would seek treatment to find out if he has a drinking problem.

He also said that he had attempted to reach out to Nikias.

Sarkisian had appeared worn during the news conference Tuesday and also at practice. He was more energetic Wednesday.

“It wasn’t easy,” Sarkisian said of Tuesday’s news conference. “When you have to take on things and you have to give things up about yourself, I don’t think it’s easy for anybody.”

Sarkisian said it was good to be back on the field.

“I felt like I was back at home again, coaching football,” he said, adding, “moving forward with our team, moving forward with myself, trying to take all the right and necessary steps to be positive and to go out and have a really good season.”

The Trojans open the season Sept. 5 against Arkansas State.

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