Ohio State closing practice to media during Urban Meyer investigation
Urban Meyer was placed on paid administrative leave on Wednesday amid an investigation into his knowledge of domestic abuse allegations against a since-fired member of his coaching staff, and reporters and other members of the media shouldn’t expect much information from Ohio State in the coming days and weeks.
On Thursday, Ohio State said in a statement that all practices will be closed to the media and no players or coaches will be made available for interviews while the Meyer investigation plays out.
From Ohio State: The university is committed to supporting our student-athletes as they prepare for the upcoming semester. Due to ongoing investigation, football coaches/student-athletes will not be available for interviews until further notice and all practices will be closed.
— Ari Wasserman (@AriWasserman) August 2, 2018
Ohio State plans to update us more on Monday. https://t.co/lluJE3Ptyr
— Ari Wasserman (@AriWasserman) August 2, 2018
Zach Smith, one of Meyer’s former assistant coaches, was fired last week after Brett McMurphy reported that he was accused of domestic assault multiple times and recently had a protective order filed against him by his ex-wife. Meyer said he knew of an incident in 2009 involving Smith and his wife but claimed the information reported on it was inaccurate. Meyer then denied having any knowledge of similar allegations in 2015.
New information reported by McMurphy on Wednesday seems to indicate Meyer knew about the more recent allegations and did nothing about them. If that is the case, there may be a clause in his contract that allows Ohio State to fire him with cause.
In a separate issue, some former Florida players came forward this week and accused Meyer of player mistreatment while he was coaching the Gators.