USC coach apologizes for ‘behavior, inappropriate language’ at event

USC head football coach Steve Sarkisian issued an apology on Sunday for his behavior at Saturday night's Salute to Troy event.

According to multiple reports, Sarkisian appeared to be intoxicated at the event, used inappropriate language and insulted other football programs.

A source told ESPN that Sarkisian slurred his words during the banquet, and said "they all suck" when referring to several Pac-12 schools. He used inappropriate language when introducing his players to donors and alumni.

"Our whole team is embarrassed," the source told ESPN.

Athletic director Pat Haden stepped in to get Sarkisian away, and Haden was then seen talking to Sarkisian afterward.

The 41-year-old Sarkisian issued a statement on Sunday, which read, "I sincerely apologize to my players and staff and to our fans for my behavior and my inappropriate language at our kickoff event Saturday night. I have a responsibility to all of them and I let them down. Pat Haden talked to me after the event about my actions and I assured him this will not happen again."

The Salute to Troy event symbolically kicks off the football season and is attended by alumni and donors.

Haden also issued a statement, which read, "I met with coach Sarkisian and I expressed my disappointment in the way he represented himself and the university at our Salute to Troy event. While the details of our conversation will remain between us, I am confident he heard my message loud and clear."

Sarkisian is entering his second year as the Trojans' head coach. The team went 9-4 last season and is ranked No. 10 in the USA Today coaches preseason poll this year.

The Trojans were the media's pick to win the Pac-12 title this year.