Miller moves on, has no plans to sue ex-USF coach Leavitt

Joel Miller says he will not pursue legal action against former University of South Florida coach Jim Leavitt, who was accused of striking the player during the halftime of last year's Louisville game.

The university eventually fired Leavitt after its investigation concluded the coach, angry about a missed block, grabbed Miller by the throat and struck him twice. Leavitt has denied the allegations.

Today, Miller released a statement through his attorney that said he wanted to end rumors he would file a lawsuit against Leavitt or the university.

"I am not filing a lawsuit. I am not taking any legal action,'' Miller's statement said.

"What is important to me is to be the best student and football player I can at the University of South Florida," the statement continues. "I do not want this past situation to be any kind of distraction for our team, coaches, supporters or me.''

Stephen Romine, an attorney with the law firm Miller retained, said their client got counsel for guidance on a matter that went public, mushroomed and wasn't going away.

"To him from day one it was never about filing a lawsuit," said Romine, who is a law partner with attorney Barry Cohen. "He sought guidance like every other party. The whole thing had gotten way too big for Joel to handle on his own."

At a news conference in January, Cohen said Miller wanted a public apology from Leavitt. Leavitt never apologized, but Miller has moved on, Romine said.

"At this point he doesn't care what Coach Leavitt says," Romine said.

Wil Florin, Leavitt's attorney, said Leavitt has no problem with Miller.

"Jim has said from the beginning that he has a great liking for Joel Miller,'' Florin said. "Our issues are with the way USF has bungled this thing. If anyone is owed an apology on this, it's Coach Leavitt.''

He said Leavitt's camp is waiting on USF to make the next move after the two sides met for six hours on Feb. 20 during a mediation hearing.

"This thing will continue to shake out,'' Florin said. "Coach Leavitt is not walking away from this. He was treated incredibly unfairly from a process standpoint.''