Former USF Coach Arrested for Battery, Theft in Florida

Jim Leavitt, former head coach at the University of South Florida and recently inducted into the USF Athletic Hall of Fame in 2025, has been arrested on charges of misdemeanor battery and felony grand theft related to an incident involving his ex-girlfriend in St. Petersburg, Florida. Leavitt allegedly grabbed the woman by the arm and took her Louis Vuitton purse, clutch, and wallet, valued at $5,000 or more, and also pushed a man on the chest during the incident. Leavitt has a history of controversy, including being fired by USF in 2010 following an investigation into his conduct with a player. Separately, gymnastics coach Wei Jun Lee, owner of Skybound Gymnastics in Gold Coast, Australia, faces court on charges of sexually touching a child between the ages of 10 and 16. Lee was extradited to Sydney and has had his gym closed by Gymnastics Australia and Gymnastics Queensland as the investigation proceeds. Both cases highlight serious allegations against coaches in the sports community, prompting legal action and organizational responses.