South Florida fires Jim Leavitt

[bluevoter4life]

South Florida football coach Jim Leavitt was fired Friday following an investigation of an allegation that he struck one of his players in the locker room.

In confirming his dismissal, Leavitt told The Associated Press he was "disappointed" and the allegation was "absolutely false."

South Florida said the findings of its investigation into the alleged incident will be discussed at a 12:30 p.m. ET news conference. In its statement, the university did not mention Leavitt's status as coach.

A South Florida staff member told ESPN's Joe Schad that a staff meeting has been called for noon ET, at which time the entire coaching staff will be officially fired. A meeting with the players is not expected.


I can honestly say I am shocked. I thought this investigation was over when Miller's father stepped forward and said he didn't believe the allegations and doesn't remember his son saying anything to him about being struck. As a South Florida grad, I am disappointed. I have been hoping to see Leavitt resign, based on how our football season usually ends, but I hate seeing him go out in this way. Jimmy, I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors and you will always be loved by the fans.

[Ganja Ninja]

1. It's a shame he went out this way.

This came at a bad time. I think the university was probably agonizing over how to let him go because of his record over the last 2 years. This gave them the perfect reason to replace him but I'm sure they didn't like having it go this way either. Hopefully things will work out for everyone concerned.

[bluevoter4life]

2. I tend to agree with you n part

But USF administration has a history of denying due process to its faculty (See: Sami al-Arian). I do not believe though they really agonized because frankly, the evidence wasn't really there to release him because of this. I believe he is gone mostly due to his on-field performance and were looking for a reason to get rid of him without having to buy-out the rest of his contract.