Apple rues scandal
Ohio State alum on Meyer bombshell: ‘Very surprising’
You could hear the disappointment in Eli Apple’s voice as he addressed the scandal at his alma mater.
Speaking in hushed tones and short sentences, the Giants’ cornerback talked about the issues surrounding Ohio State, where wide receivers coach Zach Smith was fired and head coach Urban Meyer is on paid administrative leave in the wake of a bombshell report that Meyer knew about domestic violence allegations dating back to 2015 involving his assistant coach.
“It’s a crazy, unfortunate situation,” Apple said after training camp practice on Thursday. “I just hope it gets worked out.”
“It’s very surprising,” he added.
College football writer Brett McMurphy reported on Wednesday that Meyer’s wife, Shelley, knew that Smith had abused his wife, Courtney, providing text messages as proof. Other wives of Ohio State coaches knew as well, according to the report. Last week, Meyer denied any knowledge of the incidents. Ohio State has launched an internal inves- tigation into the matter.
When asked if he could see Meyer knowing about the alleged abuse and covering it up, Apple said he was unsure.
“I can’t say,” he said. “I don’t know.”
Smith was on Meyer’s staff at Ohio State going back to 2012 and was there when Apple played for the Buckeyes from 2014-15.
“You don’t really know somebody outside of football like you want to,” Apple said. “Hopefully, they can get the situation worked out.”
Meanwhile, Jets wide receiver Terrelle Pryor, a quarterback at Ohio State before Meyer succeeded Jim Tressel, said, “I’m going to stay away from that question. You never want to wish anything bad against anybody. I know Urban has done a great job done and if he gets back he’ll do a great job. I hope everything is cleared up.’’