Ohio State University has put head football coach Urban Meyer on paid leave while the school investigates whether he protected former assistant coach Zach Smith, who was fired last week.
Smith's ex-wife, Courtney, claims he had abused her through the years. She says that in 2015, she shared texts and photos of her injuries with Meyer's wife, Shelley.
John U. Bacon, sports commentator for Michigan Radio, joined Stateside to talk about what this means for OSU's head coach.
Back in 2009, when Urban Meyer was questioned about whether he knew that his assistant coach Zach Smith was abusing his wife, Meyer said he “knew nothing about it” when asked by the press.
If he was aware of the claims — then or later in 2015 — his contract gives Ohio State University the right to fire him. Bacon said it is already surprising that OSU took action to put Meyer on paid leave. For many reasons, he said, Ohio State University is "very reluctant" to fire Meyer.
Ultimately, public opinion might force OSU’s hand in pushing for Meyer’s termination after Courtney Smith released disturbing photos of her abuse by her ex-husband.
Listen above to hear more about Urban Meyer’s future at Ohio State University.
This post was written by Stateside production assistant Sam Corey.
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