Miller takes early exit

By The Tampa Tribune
Published: December 17, 2009

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TAMPA --

Sophomore special teams starter Joel Miller, the player involved in an alleged incident with Bulls coach Jim Leavitt, left practice after 20 minutes Wednesday.

Miller has played in 11 games this season, recording four tackles. Since Monday, however, Miller has been at the center of a firestorm regarding the alleged incident during halftime of USF's win against Louisville on Nov. 21.

According to a report published Monday by AOL's FanHouse.com, Leavitt allegedly confronted Miller during halftime about his lackluster play, and grabbed the walk-on from Wharton High by the neck and struck him in the face.

Leavitt strongly denies the allegation and said Miller leaving practice early Wednesday was due to an injury.

"He's had a shoulder injury," Leavitt said. "In the last game against UConn, on the kickoff return, he hit his shoulder. He's fine. He's just got to heal it up."

Scott Carter