Proper reporting procedures followed, Meyer says

Ohio State coach Urban Meyer insisted Friday he followed proper protocols in reporting domestic violence allegations against an assistant coach in 2015, passionately defending himself in his first extensive comments since he was put on paid leave amid a university investigation.

Meyer posted a statement addressed to Buckeyes fans on Twitter not long after his team, expected to be one of the best in the nation, opened practice for the upcoming season without their coach. Meyer was put on leave Wednesday.

Shortly after Meyer’s statement posted, Zach Smith, the fired assistant coach accused of assaulting his wife, told Columbus radio station 105.7 The Zone that Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith spoke with him in 2015 about the allegations made by Courtney Smith that fall. A police report was made about the incident, but no charges were filed.

Zach Smith was fired last week by Meyer.

Smith told ESPN that he never assaulted his wife and any of her physical injuries were the result of him defending himself. He said he spoke to Meyer in 2015 about the allegations. He said Meyer told him then he would fire Smith if the coach found out Smith hit his wife.

“I don’t know what else Urban Meyer could have done,” Zach Smith told ESPN.

What Meyer knew about the allegations and what he did about them has ballooned into a crisis.

The Buckeyes open at home Sept. 1 against Oregon State. Co-offensive coordinator Ryan Day is acting head coach, and there is no timeline for the Meyer inquiry to conclude.

In his statement, Meyer said he is being unfairly portrayed “as being indifferent to domestic violence and as someone who did not take appropriate action when warranted.

“Here is the truth: While at the University of Florida and now at the Ohio State University I have always followed proper reporting protocols and procedures when I have learned of an incident involving a student-athlete, coach or member of our staff by elevating the issues to the proper channels. And I did so regarding the Zach Smith incident in 2015. I take that responsibility very seriously and any suggestion to the contrary is simply false.”

Meyer has been at Ohio State for six seasons, going 73-8 with a national championship in 2014 and two Big Ten conference titles. He earlier won two national titles at Florida.

On Thursday, Ohio State barred media access to players and coaches until at least Monday.