Former USF Coach Jim Leavitt Arrested on Felony Grand Theft and Battery Charges
Key Insights
Jim Leavitt was arrested on charges of felony grand theft, simple battery, and domestic battery following an incident involving his ex-girlfriend.
He is accused of grabbing his ex-girlfriend by the arm and stealing her Louis Vuitton purse, clutch and wallet worth between $5,000-$10,000.
Leavitt coached USF from 1997-2009, achieving a 95-57 record and leading the team to a No. 2 national ranking in 2007.
Leavitt was fired in 2010 after an investigation revealed he physically abused a player and lied about it.
Despite his controversial exit, Leavitt was selected for induction into the USF Athletic Hall of Fame in 2025.
Why this matters: Leavitt's arrest brings renewed scrutiny to his past conduct and raises questions about his legacy at USF. The charges tarnish the reputation of a coach who once brought the football program to national prominence.
In-Depth Analysis
Jim Leavitt's arrest on grand theft and battery charges adds another layer of complexity to his already controversial history. Leavitt, 68, was the first coach in USF football history, building the program from the ground up. His tenure from 1997 to 2009 saw considerable success, including a program-best 95-57 record, a No. 2 national ranking in 2007, and five consecutive bowl game appearances.
However, his time at USF ended abruptly in 2010 when he was fired following an investigation into allegations that he physically abused a player. The school determined that Leavitt had grabbed a player by the throat, slapped him in the face and lied about it.
Now, Leavitt faces new legal troubles. According to arrest affidavits, Leavitt allegedly struck his former live-in girlfriend at an apartment complex in St. Petersburg. He is also accused of stealing a Louis Vuitton purse, clutch and wallet from her. A witness corroborated the victim's account. In a separate incident at the same location, Leavitt is accused of pushing a man on the chest.
Despite his firing in 2010, Leavitt's earlier achievements led to his selection for induction into the USF Athletic Hall of Fame in 2025. The induction ceremony is scheduled for October 2. However, the recent arrest may impact the university's decision to honor him.
FAQs
Q: What charges does Jim Leavitt face?
Jim Leavitt faces charges of felony grand theft, simple battery, and domestic battery.
Q: Why was Jim Leavitt fired from USF in 2010?
He was fired after a school investigation found that he grabbed one of his players by the throat, slapped him in the face, and lied about it.
Q: What were Jim Leavitt's accomplishments at USF?
Leavitt led the Bulls to a 95-57 record, a No. 2 national ranking in 2007, and five straight bowl game appearances.
Key Takeaways
Jim Leavitt, the former USF football coach, has been arrested on felony grand theft and battery charges.
This arrest follows a previous controversy that led to his firing from USF in 2010 for physical abuse of a player.
Despite his past, Leavitt was set to be inducted into the USF Athletic Hall of Fame, but this recent arrest may impact that decision.
Discussion
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