Ex-College Football Coach Facing Serious Charges

dailycaller.com

Jim Leavitt, a former head coach for the University of South Florida (USF) football program, has been hit with serious charges following an argument with his ex-girlfriend that allegedly turned violent, according to police.

The 68-year-old Leavitt was placed under arrest Monday following an alleged fight that took place at an apartment complex in St. Petersburg, Florida, per an arrest affidavit via ESPN. Leavitt is now facing a charge of felony grand theft, as well as misdemeanor charges of domestic battery and simple battery. (RELATED: Chiefs’ Rashee Rice Suspended For First Six Games Of Season)

A lawyer for Leavitt is not listed on court and jail records online.

When the woman tried to walk away from the confrontation, Leavitt allegedly grabbed her arm, per arrest records. He’s also facing accusations of stealing a Louis Vuitton purse, wallet and clutch from the woman and refusing to give them back. The items are valued at more than $5,000. Additionally, Leavitt allegedly pushed a man in the chest who was also at the fight, according to police per ESPN.

It was announced in June by USF that Leavitt will be inducted into the university’s sports Hall of Fame in a ceremony Oct. 2. A statement released by USF Athletics says they’re aware of the incident and are in the process of collecting information, per ESPN. The college didn’t acknowledge whether or not the charges will have an impact on his induction.

When USF‘s football program began in 1997, Leavitt helped kick things off as the first official head coach. A decade later in 2007, he led the Bulls to No. 2 in the nation. To this day, Leavitt is the winningest coach in the history of the program, tallying a 95-57 record in 13 campaigns.

Following an investigation in 2010 that concluded he hit a student-athlete at halftime during a 2009 game, he was fired by USF.