Buckeyes close practice sessions
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, a scandal hitting a school already accused of not facing up to sexual misconduct allegations against a sports doctor.
The Buckeyes planned to open their first 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 set to earn $7.6 million for the season after getting a raise this year.
School officials said Thursday that reporters would be barred from practices until at least next week. Also, players will not be made available to the media.
University trustees announced that a six-member committee will lead the investigation. Co-offensive coordinator Ryan Day has been named acting head coach.
Meyer’s future with one of the most storied programs in college football depends on how he managed allegations that Buckeyes assistant and recruiting coordinator Zach Smith abused his ex-wife, Courtney Smith — answering the questions of what Meyer knew and when.
off the board until the coaching situation is resolved.
“They can still win the whole thing, but I want to see who’s coming in, if anybody,” Avello said. “Anybody in the world will take the job except for Nick Saban. They have to make the decision quick. It’s football season.”
Murray makes Meyer a favorite to keep his job.
“Maybe I’m wrong, but I’d still be kind of surprised if they fired him. Just because (Michigan State basketball coach) Tom Izzo and (Spartans football coach) Mark Dantonio didn’t get fired (in the wake of the Larry Nassar scandal),” Murray said. “I could see a scenario where they slap him on the wrist and suspend him for the first game, which they’re going to win anyway.
“The Michigan-ohio State game in Columbus, no matter who the coach is, Ohio State is going to probably be favored. That game will go a long way to deciding who wins the division and who wins the Big Ten.”
Contact reporter Todd Dewey at tdewey@reviewjournal.com. Follow @tdewey33 on Twitter.