Why Were Charges Dropped Against Former USF Coach Jim Leavitt?

Jim Leavitt, a former football coach at the University of Southern Florida (USF), had all criminal charges against him dismissed recently. The charges included misdemeanour simple battery, domestic battery, and felony grand theft, stemming from an incident involving his ex-girlfriend. The state attorney's office determined that the circumstances surrounding the case did not warrant prosecution, leading to its closure.

Last updated: 23 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Jim Leavitt's criminal charges were dropped due to lack of evidence.
• The former USF coach faced accusations of battery and theft involving his ex-girlfriend.
• Both alleged victims opted not to press charges or participate in prosecution.
• Leavitt is set to be inducted into the USF Athletics Hall of Fame next month.
• He has a controversial history with the programme, including a previous dismissal due to misconduct.

Background on Jim Leavitt

Jim Leavitt made history as the first and most successful head coach of the USF football programme, amassing a remarkable 95 wins during his tenure. He was known for leading the team to national prominence, achieving a brief No. 2 ranking in 2007. However, his career has been marred by controversy, particularly concerning his dismissal in January 2010 after an incident where he reportedly assaulted a player.

The Recent Incident

Leavitt was arrested on 25 August 2023, following allegations made by his ex-girlfriend, Alexandra Saab. The accusations included grabbing her arm as she attempted to leave and taking her Louis Vuitton purse, clutch, and wallet. According to the police affidavit, Leavitt admitted to keeping her purse while trying to converse with her. Additionally, he faced claims of pushing another individual, Robert Howard, though Leavitt contended that Howard had bumped into him.

Charges Dropped

The decision to drop the charges was made by the Clearwater state attorney's office, which cited a lack of substantial evidence to proceed. State Attorney Bruce Bartlett indicated that both Saab and Howard expressed their reluctance to press charges, describing the situation as a misunderstanding that escalated. Bartlett noted, “They argued, tempers got flared a little bit.”

Reactions to the Dismissal

Leavitt's attorney, Lucas Fleming, stated that his client was “relieved” by the outcome and appreciated the state’s prompt and thoughtful evaluation of the case. This dismissal comes as Leavitt prepares for his induction into the USF Athletics Hall of Fame, an event that highlights his contributions to the football programme.

Leavitt’s Legacy and Controversy

While Leavitt’s coaching career is celebrated for its successes, it is also shadowed by past controversies. The most notable incident occurred in November 2009 when he allegedly assaulted a walk-on player, leading to an investigation and his eventual dismissal. The fallout from this incident culminated in a wrongful termination lawsuit that USF settled for £2.75 million.

What Happens Next for Leavitt?

As Leavitt moves forward, his induction into the Hall of Fame could serve as a pivotal moment in shaping public perception of his legacy. However, the recent legal troubles may linger in the backdrop, affecting how fans and the community view him. The balance between his achievements and controversies will continue to be a topic of discussion among sports fans and analysts.

Conclusion

Jim Leavitt's recent legal issues have been resolved with the dropping of charges, but the complexities of his legacy remain. As he prepares to be honoured for his contributions to USF football, the intersection of his achievements and controversies will undoubtedly invite scrutiny and conversation. How will this latest chapter in his life influence his legacy within the sport? Only time will tell.

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FAQs

What charges were dropped against Jim Leavitt?

Jim Leavitt faced charges of misdemeanour simple battery, domestic battery, and felony grand theft, all of which were dismissed by the state attorney's office.

Why were the charges against Leavitt dropped?

The charges were dropped due to a lack of evidence, and both alleged victims indicated they did not wish to pursue prosecution.

What incident led to Jim Leavitt’s arrest?

Leavitt was arrested following an alleged incident involving his ex-girlfriend where he reportedly grabbed her arm and took her purse without permission.

What is Leavitt's coaching history?

Jim Leavitt is known as the first and most successful coach in USF football history, leading the team to a No. 2 national ranking in 2007.

What controversies surround Jim Leavitt?

Leavitt's career has been marred by controversies, including a previous dismissal from USF due to an incident involving a player, which resulted in a settlement for wrongful termination.