Jim Leavitt Fired: USF Football Coach Comes Out Swinging After FanHouse Allegation, Dismissal

(AP PHOTO)

(WTVT)

TAMPA, Fla. (CBS/AP) Jim Leavitt, football coach for the University of South Florida, has come out swinging after being fired for allegedly punching a player, sophomore Joel Miller, in a locker room dispute.

Photo: Jim Leavitt.

The allegation is "absolutely false," Leavitt told the Associated Press. The coach said he was "disappointed" with his dismissal.

USF would not confirm Leavitt's dismissal, but university spokeswoman Lara Wade said all questions would be answered when the school released a report later Friday.

USF president Judy Genshaft and athletic director Doug Woolard launched an investigation into Leavitt last month after a FanHouse report said the coach had grabbed sophomore Joel Miller by the throat and hit him in the face twice during halftime of a game on Nov. 21.

USF beat the Northern Illinois University Huskies 27-3 in the International Bowl at Toronto on Jan. 2.

More from CBS News