rumor that Sark is done at USC

[ivan brunetti]

This is according to USC posters.

In other news, ND opened as at -2 and the line is now ND -4.

Update: Sark officially fired today by USC.

 

[perseverare]

This is according to USC posters.

In other news, ND opened as at -2 and the line is now ND -4.

Hayes decommited!

 

[coolirish9]

it says halfway down on the front page in the twitter posts that he is taking a leave. if the usc assistant coaches are right about him not being sober for the ASU game then you'd think haden would have no choice but to let him go

 

[deadirishpoet]

This is according to USC posters.

In other news, ND opened as at -2 and the line is now ND -4.

Done or drunk?

 

[Fatty McButterpants]

He's gone. The "leave of absence" language they are currently using is just a nice way of dealing with this considering the circumstance, but you can be sure that Steve Sarkisian will never coach another game at USC.

 

[ivan brunetti]

He's gone. The "leave of absence" language they are currently using is just a nice way of dealing with this considering the circumstance, but you can be sure that Steve Sarkisian will never coach another game at USC.

USC airing all of Sark's dirty laundry is not what I would call nice. If you need to replace someone under these circumstances the "nice" thing to say is that he is leaving due to health reasons.

 

[captstabbin]

He's gone. The "leave of absence" language they are currently using is just a nice way of dealing with this considering the circumstance, but you can be sure that Steve Sarkisian will never coach another game at USC.

That is sad....alcoholism is a serious illness.....football is secondary....I hope he gets help

 

[irishnumberone1]

He will be in Monday for meeting with Pat.... I wish he is gone for good. Charlie Weis is free to go! Lol

 

[Bodizephax]

USC airing all of Sark's dirty laundry is not what I would call nice. If you need to replace someone under these circumstances the "nice" thing to say is that he is leaving due to health reasons.

I respectfully disagree. Political correctness is the enemy of truth.

 

[Johnny Fairplay]

Will they still drop 50 on the Irish like last year?

 

[NDSMC78]

Will they still drop 50 on the Irish like lady year?

What's a lady year? Is that how you measure time on the planet where you live?

 

[deadirishpoet]

What's a lady year? Is that how you measure time on the planet where you live?

Holy crap that was funny

 

[NDSMC78]

Holy crap that was funny

The poster is a known dick, poet. Nice job of editing his original post, I might add.

 

[HDK]

Holy crap that was funny

I second that.

 

[Fatty McButterpants]

USC airing all of Sark's dirty laundry is not what I would call nice. If you need to replace someone under these circumstances the "nice" thing to say is that he is leaving due to health reasons.

Uh, that's actually EXACTLY what USC did say. He was put on a leave of absence for health reasons, USC didnt disclose what those reasons were. The truth came out because that secret is impossible to keep in LA, and there were about 100 reporters at practice digging around after they heard Sark wasnt there. All of the alcohol related news was not reported by USC, it was put out there by people who witnessed it, or talked to people who witnessed it.

 

[Gipper66]

There is no way to know how to feel about Sark's sudden "leave of absence" status. On one hand, we should show compassion for the demons he is dealing with (for any of us that have witnessed a friend or relative battle addiction(s) and the damage that can be done from this). On the other hand , ND v USC is the marquis game on our schedule every year, and there is pay back owed for what happened last year when ND was minus 13 defensive players and "Sark" chose to "take advantage" of the weakened state of the ND team, and "embarrass" the Irish. So, where I want to take the "high" road here, I also feel its necessary to remind myself (and everyone else) there is a football game to be played and this can do one of two things , 1. serve as a "rallying" point and inspire a still very talented USC team, or 2. cause just enough distraction, ND can "take advantage" and bury USC on PRIME TIME National TV ! I HOPE its the later , not the former! GO IRISH !

 

[NDSMC78]

There is no way to know how to feel about Sark's sudden "leave of absence" status. On one hand, we should show compassion for the demons he is dealing with (for any of us that have witnessed a friend or relative battle addiction(s) and the damage that can be done from this). On the other hand , ND v USC is the marquis game on our schedule every year, and there is pay back owed for what happened last year when ND was minus 13 defensive players and "Sark" chose to "take advantage" of the weakened state of the ND team, and "embarrass" the Irish. So, where I want to take the "high" road here, I also feel its necessary to remind myself (and everyone else) there is a football game to be played and this can do one of two things , 1. serve as a "rallying" point and inspire a still very talented USC team, or 2. cause just enough distraction, ND can "take advantage" and bury USC on PRIME TIME National TV ! I HOPE its the later , not the former! GO IRISH !

I dunno, 66. I personally think Sark called off the dogs early last year. I think he could have scored 70 on ND is he had wanted to.

 

[Classic Irish]

I dunno, 66. I personally think Sark called off the dogs early last year. I think he could have scored 70 on ND is he had wanted to.

This.

 

[graceh90]

Classic no win situation for ND in this game. On one hand you have an immensely talented SC team that may be motivated by recent adversity. If SC plays pissed off and can channel and focus that anger, they certainly have the horses beat a sloppy inconsistent Irish team post Navy. Such a loss would be catastrophic to ND, but not overly surprising.

Alternately, an ND win makes SC a 3-3 team (likely to lose several more in quick succession) and adds nothing to the Irish resume.

Beware the wounded adversary. No mercy

 

[beachcardinal]

He will be gone. He was on a stick policy of no booze which he violated. LOA is just to protect what is left of his self esteem. We also lost two starter to injury. Two things are true: the Irish will have an easy victory, and it will not help ND. SC's loss toe Washington ended the playoff chance of both teams. (there will also be something else that comes out about Sark in the next couple of week about his time in Washington. Haden did a terrible job of due diligence here and will probably be gone within the year also.

 

[beachcardinal]

There is no way to know how to feel about Sark's sudden "leave of absence" status. On one hand, we should show compassion for the demons he is dealing with (for any of us that have witnessed a friend or relative battle addiction(s) and the damage that can be done from this). On the other hand , ND v USC is the marquis game on our schedule every year, and there is pay back owed for what happened last year when ND was minus 13 defensive players and "Sark" chose to "take advantage" of the weakened state of the ND team, and "embarrass" the Irish. So, where I want to take the "high" road here, I also feel its necessary to remind myself (and everyone else) there is a football game to be played and this can do one of two things , 1. serve as a "rallying" point and inspire a still very talented USC team, or 2. cause just enough distraction, ND can "take advantage" and bury USC on PRIME TIME National TV ! I HOPE its the later , not the former! GO IRISH !

This is nonsense, We stated subing player at the end of the second quarter. We played walk-ons in that game. In the fourth quarter we just ran the ball straight up the middle calling the same play over and over, Anyone who think we ran the score up didn't watch the game.

 

[rivals50]

Will they still drop 50 on the Irish like last year?

This. Head coach or not they are still loaded with NFL talent. Hopefully this is distraction enough for them to lose sight of this game and we come out with a W.

 

[TurnoverMachine]

That is sad....alcoholism is a serious illness.....football is secondary....I hope he gets help

I'll drink to that.

 

[Pennick4]

I'll drink to that.

Your pathetic.

 

[Alkie]

This is nonsense, We stated subing player at the end of the second quarter. We played walk-ons in that game. In the fourth quarter we just ran the ball straight up the middle calling the same play over and over, Anyone who think we ran the score up didn't watch the game.

Kelly made a point of thanking Sark publicly for calling off the dogs in that game. Both coaches handled things in a very classy manner. I thought the Irish came into the game with just enough talent to beat a reeling USC team, but after about 5 serious injuries in the first half, they ran out of bodies on defense.

I'm sure the Irish want to avenge a bad loss, but there is very little bad blood between these programs right now.

I like the Irish by two TD's on Friday, but I've been very wrong in almost all my predictions this year.

 

[Java65]

I'll say a prayer for Sarkisian and I really hope USC and their fans give him all the support he needs. He's battling a terrible problem that not only impacts him but also his family.

I hope he beats this and goes on to a successful coaching career.

 

[ivan brunetti]

Uh, that's actually EXACTLY what USC did say. He was put on a leave of absence for health reasons, USC didnt disclose what those reasons were. The truth came out because that secret is impossible to keep in LA, and there were about 100 reporters at practice digging around after they heard Sark wasnt there. All of the alcohol related news was not reported by USC, it was put out there by people who witnessed it, or talked to people who witnessed it.

Okay, not USC officially but it was USC personnel who blabbed to the media. Kind of like claiming no one at USC cheated wrt improper benefits but conveniently forgetting Reggie Bush was a part of USC when he cheated.

It also seems that USC had knowledge of this situation and let this go on for a long time, acting only when hopes of a NC are in the rear view mirror.

 

[beachcardinal]

Okay, not USC officially but it was USC personnel who blabbed to the media. Kind of like claiming no one at USC cheated wrt improper benefits but conveniently forgetting Reggie Bush was a part of USC when he cheated.

It also seems that USC had knowledge of this situation and let this go on for a long time, acting only when hopes of a NC are in the rear view mirror.

Total crap. The player commented to the press because Sark showed up at a team meeting smelling of alcohol, then Sark wasn't at practice. You think the press would miss that after what happened with Sark before?. There was no, "after the the hopes..." Haden had given Sark a no tolerance after the prior incident. Sark violated it. Even as an Sc hater you should see the situation is so bad there is no need for you to make up lies. Now if you want to say Haden totally screwed up the due diligence before hiring Sark. I agree. The fact is everybody likes Pat, but he is not competent as an AD. But to imply he is dishonest and manipulative is simply a lie. I get this is a message board where people just sort of blab out without thinking, but implying these things about Pat is wrong even by these weak standards. Is is a very good man who is very bad at his job. That is all.

 

[ivan brunetti]

Total crap. The player commented to the press because Sark showed up at a team meeting smelling of alcohol, then Sark wasn't at practice. You think the press would miss that after what happened with Sark before?. There was no, "after the the hopes..." Haden had given Sark a no tolerance after the prior incident. Sark violated it. Even as an Sc hater you should see the situation is so bad there is no need for you to make up lies. Now if you want to say Haden totally screwed up the due diligence before hiring Sark. I agree. The fact is everybody likes Pat, but he is not competent as an AD. But to imply he is dishonest and manipulative is simply a lie. I get this is a message board where people just sort of blab out without thinking, but implying these things about Pat is wrong even by these weak standards. Is is a very good man who is very bad at his job. That is all.

I am not a hater. Sark had this reputation while he was at Washington. How could USC not have known? I think it is reasonable to assume USC knew but didn't care. And banning alcohol in the locker room? I have never heard of any coach or coaching staff drinking in locker rooms. I mean, they can't wait until they are at one of the dozens of alum parties to which they are invited?

I agree that Haden/USC have screwed up. I don't know all the particulars, so I'll leave it at that.

 

[beachcardinal]

I am not a hater. Sark had this reputation while he was at Washington. How could USC not have known? I think it is reasonable to assume USC knew but didn't care. And banning alcohol in the locker room? I have never heard of any coach or coaching staff drinking in locker rooms. I mean, they can't wait until they are at one of the dozens of alum parties to which they are invited?

I agree that Haden/USC have screwed up. I don't know all the particulars, so I'll leave it at that.

No doubt he screwed up, but your post implied more.

 

[Telx1]

Unlike many on this board, I've always like Haden, even as an analyst on our broadcasts. I fully expected him to be a very good AD at USC, but seems he lacks the toughness needed to make tough decisions on a regular basis. I also thought Sark was a good hire at the time, as I always thought he was better coaching material than Kiffen, and I thought he should have been offered the job over Kiffen, and perhaps this was a general sentiment when Haden hired him. Beach would likely know. All that said, there's no reason to trash Haden or to suggest any dishonesty on his part. He's a very decent guy who made a poor hire, and in my opinion, made a mistake giving Sark a second chance, as there HAD to be signs of this problem long before the public screw up.

 

[beachcardinal]

Unlike many on this board, I've always like Haden, even as an analyst on our broadcasts. I fully expected him to be a very good AD at USC, but seems he lacks the toughness needed to make tough decisions on a regular basis. I also thought Sark was a good hire at the time, as I always thought he was better coaching material than Kiffen, and I thought he should have been offered the job over Kiffen, and perhaps this was a general sentiment when Haden hired him. Beach would likely know. All that said, there's no reason to trash Haden or to suggest any dishonesty on his part. He's a very decent guy who made a poor hire, and in my opinion, made a mistake giving Sark a second chance, as there HAD to be signs of this problem long before the public screw up.

This post is spot on. Everyone likes and respects Pat. I don't know him personally but have many friends that do. We all thought it was a great hire. We feel into the common trap of thinking that because a person is good a one thing he must be good at another, I think Sark would have been a better choice than Lane, but most fans were not excited when he was hired, many outright depressed. Sumlin was in the process of signing a contract when his wife put her foot down. Pat did not like Perterson was also wanted the job, so Sark was a "settle". It is apparent that Pat didn't do his due diligence thinking he knew Sark from his time as an assistant at USC.

We will lose some recruits over this but because half the team are freshman or sophomores we can survive IF we get this hire right. One more bad hire and we will be done for a decade.

 

[Telx1]

Beach, wished you lived in my area, as it would be enjoyable to watch this game together, although I do tend to scream at the damn TV during this annual rivalry game. Love playing USC and Hate the Trojans during the game, but have grown to respect the University and the level of academic excellence they have achieved over the past few decades. Just as college football is better with a strong ND football program, I feel the same about USC, just not at the level PC took it. Peterson would be a great hire, but he's probably entrenched at Washington for the foreseeable future. Haden missed out on a fine young coach.

 

[beachcardinal]

Beach, wished you lived in my area, as it would be enjoyable to watch this game together, although I do tend to scream at the damn TV during this annual rivalry game. Love playing USC and Hate the Trojans during the game, but have grown to respect the University and the level of academic excellence they have achieved over the past few decades. Just as college football is better with a strong ND football program, I feel the same about USC, just not at the level PC took it. Peterson would be a great hire, but he's probably entrenched at Washington for the foreseeable future. Haden missed out on a fine young coach.

That would be fun. The vast majority of fans think of SC as having two huge rivals: UCLA and ND. Almost all hate UCLA and respect ND. It saddens me when fans on either side fails to maintain that respect. The worst example from us was taking shots at tragic accident during practice that resulted in a fine young man's death. There are some bad examples from your side as well. Sometimes when I read posts I just think, "you know this is supposed to be fun, right?"

 

[ivan brunetti]

No doubt he screwed up, but your post implied more.

There is a report that Sark was drunk DURING your Arizona State game. If that story is true and Haden had a zero tolerance policy (also reported) after the August incident, your AD should have acted then.

 

[ivan brunetti]

Update: Sark officially fired.

 

[TurnoverMachine]

Update: Sark officially fired.

Bottoms up!

 

[Classic Irish]

Will they still drop 50 on the Irish like last year?

You must get a lot of pleasure publicly making a fool out of yourself, Brian. Hmmm, based on looking at your posting history, it's funny that someone who claims to be an ND fan never comes around when the Irish are winning. Gee, I wonder why that is.

 

[hvillebill]

You must get a lot of pleasure publicly making a fool out of yourself, Brian. Hmmm, based on looking at your posting history, it's funny that someone who claims to be an ND fan never comes around when the Irish are winning. Gee, I wonder why that is.

He's still pouting about Indiana losing that basketball game to Rutgers 55-52. Or was it football?

 

[Classic Irish]

He's still pouting about Indiana losing that basketball game to Rutgers 55-52. Or was it football?

Well, at least he appears to have given up on his charade that he's an ND fan.