USC RB Calls Sarkisian 'Racist,' Talks to ATVN

Former USC redshirt senior running back Anthony Brown took to social media on Thursday morning with a bold Instagram post accusing head coach Steve Sarkisian of being a racist.

The post on Brown’s Instagram account said, “I couldn’t play for a racist man!!!! Sark treated me like a slave in his office…Can’t play for a racist MAN!!!!!” The post was later deleted from Brown’s account on Thursday afternoon.

ATVN reporter McKenna Keil spoke with Brown over the phone about the former player’s interaction with Sarkisian that led to the post.

According to Brown, he was called into Sarkisian’s office on Tuesday following a conversation Brown had with offensive coordinator Clay Helton. Upon arriving at the meeting, Brown said Sarkisian used profanity and called him a coward.

“He was just going off the charts. He called me a coward several times,” said Brown.

Brown also said that Sarkisian mentioned Brown’s family during the meeting, specifically his mother, in a way Brown interpreted as stereotyping his Mississippi roots.

“Bringing my mom into the situation, my mom had nothing to do with the situation between us two,” said Brown.

Over the phone, Brown also mentioned he and Sarkisian had a conversation in the spring that Brown said “didn’t go too good.” However, it was the meeting with his former head coach on Tuesday that put Brown over the edge.

“This time right here just put it overboard,” said Brown. “I was like wow, this is shocking to me. He just belittled me, honestly.”

The USC Athletic Department has a contrasting account of events, telling ATVN that Brown quit the team last Thursday.

Brown said earlier that he did not quit the team.

“[Sarkisian] made the decision,” said Brown. “He told me to get the f*** out of his office after we were done talking. And I just got up and left.”

Brown said that he was respectful during the meeting and addressed Sarkisian as "sir," looked him in the eyes and thanked him on his way out.  

After Thursday morning’s practice, Sarkisian addressed the media and refuted Brown’s claims.

“As far as what he said on Twitter, I think it's ridiculous,” said Sarkisian. “Any of you guys who know me, or if you ask anyone in our building, or ask any of our players -- feel free to -- that's the furthest thing from the truth.”

Several current and former USC players took to Twitter to express their support for Sarkisian and the USC football program.

Former standout USC quarterback Matt Leinart tweeted, “I know Sark as well as anyone. He is the farthest thing from a racist. This is a ridiculous claim!”

Current USC defensive lineman Antwaun Woods also tweeted, “Coach Sark is a great person/Coach! Please disregard comments that have been made by someone.”

USC’s season opener is quickly approaching and Sarkisian wants to shift the focus back to the Fresno State game on Saturday at the Coliseum.

“I owe it to those guys to do the best job I can do to prepare our staff and them to play a game on Saturday,” said Sarkisian.