My heart goes out to Steve Sarkisian, USC's football coach, even though I am a loyal UCLA Bruin. He got up in front of the most loyal supporters at a fundraiser, slurred his words and according to him mixed prescriptions and alcohol. He needs help and hopefully is on his way to receiving it.
One of my mentors was a dogged, tough litigator. He was also an alcoholic. He died at around 50. When we would go out to lunch, he would have three drinks. It is no secret that being a head coach or a trial lawyer is a tough job. In each, you prep hard and perform in front of an audience. Criticism can be immediate and devastating. You win or you lose. You do not tie. What's to do? I have no solution, but I know that alcohol is not it.
Meditate, exercise, talk to your loved ones. Remember the quote from that great Trojan John McKay. When his team lost 52—0 to Notre Dame he met with his team and advised them, "There are one billion Chinese who could not give a damn." Above all, if this is you, find help. There is an organization in town called The Other Bar. If you need it, there is no shame in starting afresh.
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