BREAKING: Haywood Fired From Pitt

((HT: WSBT-TV South Bend))

The University of Pittsburgh has fired coach Mike Haywood, who was released on bond after his arrest on a domestic violence charge that has been upgraded to a felony.

Haywood was released on $1,000 cash bond and is scheduled to appear in court at 1PM Monday.

The charge against Haywood was upgraded from misdemeanor domestic violence to felony domestic battery in the presence of a minor, an officer from the St. Joseph's County ((IN)) Police Department said.

Haywood, most recently head coach at Miami of Ohio University, was named head coach at the University of Pittsburgh on December 16th. In a statement released Saturday, it was announced that he has been let go from that position.

Here's the statement from University of Pittsburgh Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg:

“After careful consideration of recent events, the University of Pittsburgh has dismissed Michael Haywood as its head football coach, effective immediately. He was advised of that action this afternoon.

“To be clear, the University’s decision is not tied to any expectation with respect to the terms on which the legal proceeding now pending in Indiana might ultimately be concluded. Instead, it reflects a strong belief that moving forward with Mr. Haywood as our head coach is not possible under the existing circumstances.

“This is a matter of real regret for the many people at Pitt who had looked forward to working with him. However, head coaches are among the University’s most visible representatives and are expected to maintain high standards of personal conduct and to avoid situations that might reflect negatively on the University.

“We will immediately re-open our search for a head football coach, expanding the process to include a larger pool of candidates. Our goal is to move swiftly, but prudently, to find the right person to successfully lead the Pitt football program for what we hope will be an extended period of time.”

Here's a story from our friends at KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh at the time of the Haywood arrest...
Ralph Iannotti is live and, apparently, cold...

Mark Schlabach explains the deal to FOSG Adnan Virk...
((HT: ESPN))


Before the firing was announced on Saturday, Haywood told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, "It isn't fair. The truth will eventually come out."

More when we know more... especially where Haywood's quote is concerned...