Ex-Ohio State assistant Zach Smith was arrested for drunk driving in 2013
Former Ohio State assistant football coach Zach Smith has been in trouble with the law on numerous occasions over the past decade, and his rap sheet apparently includes more than just instances of domestic violence.
Smith, who was recently fired by Urban Meyer after allegations against him were uncovered, was arrested in 2015 on suspicion of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated in Dublin, Ohio. Kyle Rowland of The Blade reports that the charge was later reduced and he was found guilty of physical control, a first-degree misdemeanor.
A police report obtained by The Blade stated that Smith was pulled over for driving 67 in a 50-mph zone on Feb. 23, 2013. The arresting officer wrote that Smith’s eyes were “red and glassy” and that he smelled of alcohol. Here’s more:
Smith told the officer he was taking his passenger, Kevin Curtis, home from a bar. Smith stated he had not consumed alcohol. When Smith exited the vehicle at the officer’s request, the officer said there was still a strong odor of alcohol. During the field sobriety test, the officer wrote Smith had difficulty keeping his head straight and that an eye test had to be administered multiple times.
In the report, the officer said Smith swayed during the one leg stand test and the officer then informed Smith he knew he had been drinking. Smith then stated he consumed two or three glasses of wine with his wife, Courtney.
Smith was eventually sentenced to a $375 fine, suspended three-day jail term, and license suspension for 180 days. He was granted limited driving privileges.
Smith has been arrested multiple times for allegedly assaulting his ex-wife, though he was never charged. Urban Meyer has been placed on administrative leave while Ohio State investigates whether or not he knew of the most recent allegations against Smith and handled them appropriately. Smith has denied that he ever assaulted his ex-wife, but at least one text message appeared to show him admitting to strangling her.
