A day after Pat Haden appeared on the sideline and was arguing with officials during the USC’s win over Stanford, the Trojans’ athletic director apologized in a statement Sunday night.
"I apologize to (Pac-12) Commissioner Scott, to the game officials, to Stanford and to the fans for any distraction I might have caused during Saturday's football game. In retrospect, I should not have approached the game officials,” Haden’s statement said. “I should have waited until after the game and gone through the appropriate channels. In the best interests of our team and our coaches, I will stay off the sidelines for our next two games."
On the television broadcast, Haden told a sideline reporter that he received a text to come down to the sideline because Sarkisian wanted to talk to him. Sarkisian had been penalized for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, and was clearly still fuming.
Television cameras showed Haden speaking with the officials, but he did not seem to be too worked up, he just seemed to be defending Sarkisian.
Sarkisian said Sunday that he shouldn't have asked for his AD to come to the sideline.
"It was a spur of the moment gut feeling," Sarkisian said. "Looking back at it, I regret putting Pat in that situation."
The main point of contention from people about the incident is Haden’s affiliation with the College Football Playoff. Haden is a member of the CFP’s selection committee, so to be seen arguing on the sideline for his own team isn’t exactly a good look. The committee members are supposed to have some sort of impartiality, though the majority of them are affiliated with certain universities (which is where the recusal policy and all that fun stuff comes into play).
The College Football Playoff has yet to comment on the incident. The Pac-12, meanwhile, will review the incident on Monday.
For more USC news, visit TrojanSports.com.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - USC athletic director Pat Haden apologizes for sideline incident
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