COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio State closed ranks around the rollout of its football season as the university investigates whether coach Urban Meyer failed to report domestic abuse allegations, with the scandal hitting a school already accused of not facing up to sexual misconduct allegations against a sports doctor.
The Buckeyes plan to open their first football practice Friday without Meyer, who was put on administrative leave during the probe and also suspended from an endorsement deal by restaurant chain Bob Evans. It’s not clear how restrictive the paid leave will be for the coach, who is expected to earn $7.6 million for the 2018 season after getting a raise earlier this year.
Ohio State officials declined comment Thursday beyond barring reporters from practices and saying they would decide by Monday when to allow coaches and players to speak to media. Co-offensive coordinator Ryan Day was named acting head coach while Meyer is out.
“Due to the ongoing investigation, football coaches and student-athletes will not be available for interviews until further notice and all practices will be closed,” Ohio State spokesman Jerry Emig wrote in an email.
Meyer’s future with one of the most storied programs in college football depends on how he managed allegations that former Buckeyes assistant and recruiting coordinator Zach Smith abused his ex-wife, Courtney Smith. The Smiths separated in June 2015 and divorced in 2016.