University of Southern California Athletic Director Pat Haden said he was feeling fine today after falling ill at yesterday’s USC- Notre Dame game in South Bend, Indiana.
“Thanks for all the support. I checked out fine and am feeling great today!” Haden tweeted. “Proud of our effort vs ND, came up just short. Beat the Utes!”
Haden knelt to one knee on the sideline moments before Saturday’s kickoff and had to be helped to the locker room. He was examined by team doctors after reportedly feeling light-headed.
Haden was treated briefly at an Indiana hospital before flying back to Los Angeles Saturday night aboard a private plane, ESPN said today.
It was a tough week for the 62-year-old Haden, who had to fire coach Steve Sarkisian Tuesday after Sarkisian reportedly showed up to a practice inebriated.
Sarkisian in August appeared intoxicated at a preseason booster event, which he attributed to mixing alcohol with prescription medication. He apologized and said it wouldn’t happen again.
Haden — who has received some heat himself for his handling of the Sarkisian situation — appointed USC offensive coordinator Clay Helton the team’s interim coach.
Haden hired Sarkisian two years ago, a few months after unceremoniously firing USC coach Lane Kiffin on an airport bus following a 62-41 road loss to Arizona State.
The Trojans lost to Notre Dame, 41-31, Saturday to fall to 3-3 on the season.
