Photo Courtesy: Mark J. Terrill/Associated Press

USC head football coach Steve Sarkisian issued an apology Sunday, August 23 for his inappropriate behavior at the 2015 Salute to Troy event, Saturday, August 22.  The Salute to Troy is the school’s yearly introduction of the football team to major donors.

In a statement released by USC, Sarkisian apologized to the players, staff, and fans.  “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,” Sarkisian said.  “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.”

According to the Bleacher Report, Sarkisian was allegedly drunk, used profanity during team introductions and insulted opponents of USC.  Pat Haden, athletic director for USC, escorted Sarkisian off the stage as team assistants completed his speech.

“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,” Haden said in a statement. “While the details of our conversation will remain between us, I am confident he heard my message loud and clear.”

As USC heads into the 2015 season, the Trojans are currently ranked No. 8 in the preseason Associated Press Top 25 and No. 10 in the preseason USA Today Coaches poll.  USC kicks off its season against Arkansas State on September 5.