A former College of Southern Florida soccer coach had legal costs in opposition to him dropped on Wednesday, in keeping with a number of experiences.
Jim Leavitt was arrested late final month by St. Petersburg Police on misdemeanor easy battery and home battery, and felony grand theft, however the state’s legal professional’s workplace in Clearwater, Florida, mentioned in a courtroom submitting that the “info and circumstances” gave benefit to closing the case, The Athletic reported.
Leavitt, who was the primary coach and the winningest in USF soccer program historical past, was arrested on Aug. 25 after he allegedly grabbed the appropriate arm of his ex-girlfriend, Alexandra Saab, as she was making an attempt to stroll away from him, the Tampa Bay Occasions reported.
The previous soccer coach additionally had been accused of taking Saab’s Louis Vuitton purse, clutch and pockets and refused to return them to her. He admitted to holding onto her purse whereas making an attempt to talk along with her, in keeping with an affidavit.
Moreover, Leavitt, 68, was accused of pushing one other male on the chest, although Leavitt advised police that the person, recognized as Robert Howard, had walked into him.
Each Saab and Howard advised prosecutors that they didn’t need to press costs nor would would they take part within the prosecution, State Lawyer Bruce Bartlett advised the Tampa Bay Occasions.
“They mentioned it was a misunderstanding and issues bought out of hand,” Bartlett mentioned. “They argued, tempers bought flared a bit bit.”
Leavitt’s legal professional, Lucas Fleming, advised the outlet that the previous soccer coach was “relieved” on the resolution by prosecutors and that they “admire the state’s fast and considerate consideration on this matter.”
Leavitt is slated to enter USF’s athletics Corridor of Fame subsequent month for his contributions to the soccer program, which embrace main them to a quick No. 2 nationwide rating throughout the 2007.
He had 95 wins as the top coach of USF, however he’s additionally remembered for the incident that led to his dismissal in January 2010 after an investigation discovered that Leavitt grabbed walk-on working again Joel Miller by the throat and slapped him throughout a November 2009 sport in opposition to Louisville.
Leavitt denied the claims and he and USF ultimately settled a wrongful termination swimsuit for $2.75 million.
