Sarkisian tweets thanks for support in first comments since firing

Steve Sarkisian tweets Wednesday night were his first public comments since he was removed as USC’s football coach.

Sarkisian tweeted thanks for support and wished his former team well against Notre Dame on Saturday. Sarkisian was placed on a leave of absence on Sunday and fired by USC athletic director Pat Haden on Monday. USC offensive coordinator Clay Helton is the team’s interim coach.

I would like to thank everyone for their huge outpouring of support and well wishes.

— Steve Sarkisian (@CoachSark) October 14, 2015

This is a very difficult time for my family and me. I am facing these challenges the best I can and your support helps immensely.

— Steve Sarkisian (@CoachSark) October 14, 2015

I wish my Trojans the best against Notre Dame and for the remainder of the season. No one will be cheering them on more than me. Fight On!

— Steve Sarkisian (@CoachSark) October 14, 2015

Haden said Tuesday that he hadn’t yet spoken to Sarkisian personally about the termination. He said he had attempted to reach out to Sarkisian and his agent numerous times on Monday and Sarkisian was reportedly en route to a treatment facility.

His firing came after a second alcohol-related incident in the last two-plus months. In August, Sarkisian was pulled off stage at a booster function after he said he combined alcohol and prescription medication. Haden said that Sarkisian was “not healthy” on Tuesday and wanted to give the coach a second chance after the incident at the August event.

For more USC news, visit TrojanSports.com.

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Nick Bromberg is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter!

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