Charges dropped against former USF coach Jim Leavitt

The former University of Southern Florida football coach, Jim Leavitt, had criminal charges against him dropped on Wednesday, as reported by multiple sources. Leavitt was arrested late last month on charges of misdemeanor simple battery, domestic battery, and felony grand theft. However, the state’s attorney’s office in Clearwater, Florida, decided to close the case citing the “facts and circumstances” as per a report by The Athletic.

Leavitt, the first and winningest coach in USF football program history, was arrested on August 25 after allegedly grabbing his ex-girlfriend, Alexandra Saab’s right arm as she tried to walk away from him. The incident was reported by the Tampa Bay Times. Additionally, he was accused of taking Saab’s Louis Vuitton purse, clutch, and wallet and refusing to return them. Leavitt admitted to holding onto her purse while trying to speak with her, as mentioned in an affidavit.

Another accusation against Leavitt was pushing a male, Robert Howard, in the chest. However, Leavitt claimed that Howard had walked into him. Both Saab and Howard expressed that they did not wish to press charges or participate in prosecution, according to State Attorney Bruce Bartlett.

Leavitt’s attorney, Lucas Fleming, expressed Leavitt’s relief at the decision by prosecutors, stating that they appreciate the state’s quick and thoughtful consideration in the matter.

The former coach is set to be inducted into USF’s athletics Hall of Fame next month for his significant contributions to the football program, including leading the team to a brief No. 2 national ranking in 2007. Despite his success, Leavitt is also known for the incident that led to his dismissal in January 2010. An investigation found that he had grabbed walk-on running back Joel Miller by the throat and slapped him during a game against Louisville in November 2009.

Leavitt denied the allegations, and he and USF reached a settlement in a wrongful termination suit for $2.75 million.