By JOHN GIVENS, Staff Writer
TAMPA, Fla — Former University of South Florida head football coach Jim Leavitt, terminated in January amid accusations that he grabbed a player andstruck him in the face, has filed a lawsuit against the USF athletic foundation and the universitys board of trustees.
Leavitt is largely credited with creating and nurturing the winning USF Bulls football program, taking the program to national prominence and several post-season appearances.
He is seeking $9.5 million in lost wages, the amount left on a contract reportedly valid through 2014.
Leavitt has maintained his innocence throughout the ordeal, but school officials and others have told the media that it was Leavitts alleged interference with an investigation into the incident that sealed his fate.
In court papers, Leavitt claims the investigation was biased and that the firing has cast dispersions about his reputation.
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