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Ohio State football coach Urban Meyer has been suspended. After a lengthy meeting between the Ohio State University Board of Trustees, university president, and more, it was determined that the Buckeyes leading man will be off the sidelines for the first three games of the team’s 2018 campaign.
The university also suspended Gene Smith, the Vice President and Athletic Director at Ohio State.
From 10 TV:
Urban Meyer is suspended through September 2, 2018, and for the games on September 1, 8 and 15 without pay. Gene Smith is suspended without pay from August 31-September 16.
“Although neither Urban Meyer nor Gene Smith condoned or covered up the alleged domestic abuse by Zach Smith, they failed to take sufficient management action,”a statement from the university said.
“I am fully aware of the situation that has harmed the university as a whole. I followed by heart, not my head. I gave Zach Smith the benefit of the doubt. I didn’t know everything about what Zach Smith was doing. I should have recognized the red flags,” Meyer said in a statement, via college football insider Brett McMurphy. “Most of what I know about Zach Smith is work related. The biggest regret is I wish I knew more. If so, I would have taken action much quicker.”
An investigation led by the university also determined that Meyer did have previous knowledge of domestic violence allegations against former wide receivers coach Zach Smith in 2015 which he was allegedly told by Gene Smith.
“I want to express my sincere apologies for the situation we’re in,” Smith added.
Mary Jo White: Urban Meyer was aware of 2015 domestic violence allegations, he was informed of them by Gene Smith; both Meyer & Smith monitored the investigation for months. Gene Smith didn’t contact Ohio State compliance about the Smith domestic violence allegations
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) August 23, 2018
The three games Meyer will miss are against Oregon State, Rutgers, and TCU.
The Buckeyes kick off their 2018 campaign on Saturday, Sept. 1 against Oregon State. There is no word on whether Ohio State will have Meyer back on the sidelines or whether he will ultimately cave and begin serving a suspension.
