Ohio State places Urban Meyer on paid administrative leave

Ohio State has placed head football coach Urban Meyer on paid administrative leave as an investigation into the Zach Smith situation is underway.

News that has shocked the college football landscape took place on Monday evening with news that Urban Meyer has been placed on paid administrative leave.

Ohio State is investigating allegations into the now-former Ohio State assistant coach Zach Smith who abused his then-wife in 2015. The news was first reported by Brett McMurphy who reports, Meyer was aware of a 2015 assault and his denial at last week’s Big Ten Media Days was a lie.

Meyer issued a statement saying he agrees with the decision to go on administrative leave so it won’t provide a distraction for the football team. (via ESPN)

"“Athletic director Gene Smith and I agree that being on leave during this inquiry will facilitate its completion. This allows the team to conduct training camp with minimal distraction. I eagerly look forward to the resolution of this matter.”"

Before Meyer was placed on administrative leave, Kristin Balboni of Stadium gave a sit-down interview with Smith’s ex-wife, Courtney Smith, who discussed the domestic violence against her ex-husband, and former Ohio State receiver coach, Zach Smith, and what Meyer and his wife knew about them. She believes he knew and chose to enable the abuser and chose to protect the football program over the victim.

Ohio State offensive coordinator Ryan Day will serve as the team’s head coach as the investigation plays out.

Ohio State begins summer camp on Friday.

The Buckeyes open their season on Sept. 1 vs. Oregon State. Whether Meyer is on the sideline coaching for that game remains to be seen. I would anticipate there being a resolution to this investigation before the regular season opens, but that is merely a guess, and not to be confused with the timeline AD Gene Smith and Ohio State may have for this investigation.

This move to put him on paid leave makes me think this is the first step toward Ohio State and Meyer negotiating his exit.