TAMPA, Fla. - Former Coach Jim Leavitt, the first football coach in the University of South Florida's history, will not attend or be recognized during the induction ceremony on October 2, according to USF CEO of Athletics Rob Higgins.

Higgins released a statement on Friday, saying that after "candid and productive conversations the last two days, we have mutually agreed that he will not attend and/or be recognized" at the induction ceremony.

What they're saying:

In his statement, Higgins said, "USF acknowledges and appreciates the impact Coach Leavitt had on building USF Football and Coach Leavitt understands the importance of being able to honor this year's inductees without distraction."

The backstory:

Leavitt made headlines in August when he was arrested in Clearwater on a dome

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