Former USF and current New England Patriots offensive lineman Kenyatta Jones was arrested Tuesday after burning a man with scalding hot water, according to a report on ESPN.com.

A police report said Jones attacked a guest — described in the report as a long-time acquaintance — in his Walpole, Mass., home. The alleged victim was treated for burns on his shoulder, forehead and back. Jones, facing charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault to maim and mayhem, made his first court appearance Wednesday.

Jones was an offensive lineman with the Bulls from their inaugural season in 1997 until 2000. He was the second USF player to be selected in the NFL draft. The fourth round of the 2001 draft opened with three USF players being taken when the Cleveland Browns, New England and Arizona Cardinals selected cornerback Anthony Henry, Jones and kicker Bill Gramatica, respectively.

Jones has been inactive this year following an off-season injury. He was the first former USF player to play for a Super Bowl winning team when the Patriots won Super Bowl XXXV, but Jones was inactive for the game. The Patriots have not commented on the situation or how it may affect Jones’ status with the team.

Leavitt finally signs contract

USF football coach Jim Leavitt assured reporters in a press conference Tuesday that his unsigned contract extension was not an issue. The claim was proven Wednesday with the announced signing of the extension, to which Leavitt and USF in December 2002.

The contract Leavitt signed when he was named the team’s first coach in 1995 expired after the 2002 season, but questions regarding Leavitt’s future with the team arose when the signing of the new deal was delayed.

The deal will earn Leavitt nearly $2.5 million through 2007, with pay for the 2008 and 2009 seasons to be determined. USF and Leavitt would not comment on why the signing was delayed, but Leavitt was being paid for the 2003 season according to the terms of the unsigned agreement.

Adam Becker