Charges Against Pitt Coach Haywood Upgraded To Felony; Pitt Fires Haywood

ESPN is reporting in his headline that Pitt has fired Coach Haywood. This is the statement on ESPN.com:

"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," the school said in statement.

Coach Haywood was released from a South Bend, Indiana jail today on $1000 bond as his charge was changed from a misdemeanor to a Class D felony.

The reason for the change in charge is the fact that on Saturday Haywood allegedly put the mother of his 21-month infant in a choke hold in the presence of the infant.

Indiana law requires felony charges when domestic abuse is perpetrated in front of a child 16 years of age or younger.

Haywood will staying in Indiana for the time being as his arraignment is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 3, 2011.

In the dearth of information about his arrest, one quote stands out: Mr. Haywood said he has been treated unfairly, and the truth will come out.

How the felony charge affects his job standing, or his quick termination, is yet to be made clear. The moral turpitude clause of his contract probably covers being charged with any kind of felony. Adjudication of the charge could take several years.

Questions keep coming up concerning the length and depth of Haywood's vetting that was done by the search firm Steve Pederson, Pitt's athletic director, hired. Pederson committed $300,000 of university funds to pay for the search firm. Answers must be given.

Ultimately, regardless of the search firm's role, Pederson is responsible for hiring Haywood and the current mess the university finds itself in.

Based on Haywood's comments about events "not being fair" it's safe to assume Pitt is in for a fight with Haywood when and if he is terminated.

Of course, the university refuses to provide any information at this point, stating that more information about the arrest and its aftermath is necessary before the chancellor's office or the athletic department can speak.

Changing the charge against Haywood from a misdemeanor to a felony is a huge piece of information.

We are still waiting to hear from Pitt chancellor Mark Nordenberg and A.D. Pederson.