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Psychiatric tests ordered for man who dogged USF coach

By JUSTIN GEORGE
Published March 10, 2006

TAMPA - A judge ordered the psychiatric evaluation of a 20-year-old who police say threatened to blow up a University of South Florida soccer coach who wouldn't let him try out for the team.

Nahil Mouad, held without bail in the Hillsborough County jail, doesn't attend USF. But campus police say he repeatedly tried to persuade head coach George Kiefer in January to put him on the varsity team, even offering videotape of his skills.

On Feb. 6, Mouad tried to retrieve his highlight tape but a coach couldn't find it. That prompted Mouad to get angry and threaten to "blow him up," police said.

"I am from Morocco, and you better watch out," he said. "I will get you."

Police arrested Mouad, who faces two charges: threatening to discharge a destructive device and assault on a specific official employee.

Ahmed Bedier, Tampa director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, which is serving as Mouad's advocate, said the Moroccan man has no family here and needs medical help. He has been put into a state psychiatric facility under the state's Baker Act before and suffers from schizophrenia and paranoia. He didn't take his medication when the alleged confrontations took place, Bedier said.

Bedier said Mouad denies making threats and only wanted a college scholarship.

"We're trying to convince the State Attorney's Office that instead of prosecuting him, they should get him mental health help and send him back to his home country," Bedier said.

Two doctors will examine Mouad, who is expected to be back before Hillsborough Circuit Judge Debra Behnke on April 18. He also faces an immigration hearing after his state court case is resolved.

[Last modified March 10, 2006, 01:57:57]