USC coach Steve Sarkisian can't avoid scrutiny over recent actions

Although it remains a talking point, USC coach Steve Sarkisian said he isn't concerned about his off-field situation becoming a distraction. MARK J. TERRILL, , MARK J. TERRILL, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS / STAFF WRITER

LOS ANGELES – USC opens the 2015 season in just over a week; as such, the Trojans shifted their preparation to the Coliseum on Thursday and will practice there again Saturday.

But even with football that counts fast approaching, USC coach Steve Sarkisian can’t elude the controversy that continues to hover over him and his program.

The Seattle Times published a story Wednesday night that details expenditures for two coaches’ retreats which Sarkisian led while at the University of…