Steve Sarkisian sued the University of Southern California on Monday, alleging the school breached the football coach’s contract and discriminated against him on the basis of a disability when it fired him this fall.
Sarkisian’s attorneys also alleged wrongful termination and invasion of privacy in the complaint filed in Los Angeles County Court. Sarkisian contends he is owed at least $12.6 million left on his USC contract, along with other damages for “extreme mental anguish.”
“Instead of honoring the contract it made with Steve Sarkisian, USC kicked him to the curb,” the lawsuit reads.
USC spokesman Carl Marziali said the school won’t comment on pending litigation.
In the 31-page lawsuit, Sarkisian gives his first detailed public descriptions of the events surrounding his firing Oct. 12, five games into his second season in one of the highest-profile jobs in college football.