The University of Southern California’s former head football coach says he was wrongfully terminated from his job and he wants the school held accountable.

Former USC head coach Steve Sarkisian filed a lawsuit against USC on Monday for more than $30 million, claiming that athletic director Pat Haden fired him hastily, without giving him an opportunity to get treatment for alcoholism.

He also claims the school breached contract and invaded his privacy.

The issue stems from an incident at an annual USC booster dinner called Salute to Troy. Sarkisian had slurred his words and swore during his speech, which the lawsuit claims was a result of mixing two light beers with prescription anxiety medication. Sarkisian saw a school psychologist after the incident, but did not seek outside treatment.

When Sarkisian was fired on October 12, he was on his way to an in-patient treatment facility after leaving a team meeting because he was “upset, teary, and nearly hyperventilating,” according to the lawsuit.

How strong is Sarkisian’s claim against USC? How does the Americans with Disabilities Act apply when it comes to alcoholism or substance abuse? Do you think this case will even make it to court or will USC and Sarkisian settle?

Guests:

Ruth Colker, Heck Faust Memorial Chair in Constitutional Law in Moritz College of Law at The Ohio State University and an expert on disability law and rights

Geoffrey Rapp, professor of law & values at the University of Toledo and an editor for the Sports Law Blog