TAMPA, Fla., Dec. 15 (UPI) -- The University of South Florida is investigating allegations that head football coach Jim Leavitt attacked one of his players, officials said.
Leavitt allegedly grabbed sophomore Joel Miller by the throat and hit him twice in the face Nov. 21 during halftime at the USF-University of Louisville game, Miller's father, Paul Miller, told FanHouse.com. Five witnesses confirmed the story, FanHouse reported.
Leavitt has denied the allegations, WTSP-TV, St. Petersburg, Fla. said in a story published Tuesday.
"It is untrue. I'm very disappointed that this has been written. It is so untrue," Leavitt told WTSP by phone during a recruiting trip.
The university is reviewing the allegations, USF spokesman Michael Hoad told WTSP in an e-mail.
"We're committed to ensuring due process for everyone involved," Hoad wrote. "To ensure fairness, the university doesn't comment during a review."
