Report on Urban Meyer casts dark cloud over football program
There is a dark cloud over the Ohio State football program at the moment as Urban Meyer has been placed on administrative leave.
College football reporter Brett McMurphy reported today Urban Meyer knew about domestic abuse allegations against former Ohio State wide receivers coach Zach Smith in 2015. He cited text messages between Smith’s ex-wife to the wives of other Ohio State coaches, including Shelley Meyer, as proof. Now Urban Meyer has been placed on administrative leave.
It has been widely reported Urban denied having knowledge of the situation at Big Ten Media Days. If it were proven he was aware of the allegations that would be a serious problem for both the head coach and his team.
Whether Mr. McMurphy’s report is factual or not, it has put a dark cloud over the Ohio State football program. That’s not a good situation as the Buckeyes are about to begin fall camp.
And it certainly won’t help things on the recruiting trail.
As far as the situation is concerned, I say let the facts play out before passing judgement, whether you are an Ohio State fan or a person who can’t stand the Buckeyes. That’s what I intend to do because of my own personal experience.
First, I must stipulate I have been married for 37 years and have no use for anyone who strikes a woman. Real men just don’t do that so I have no tolerance for those who do, or others who help cover it up.
So if Urban had knowledge of the domestic abuse allegations, he should have investigated the situation and taken appropriate action if he found wrong doing. If he knew about the situation and did nothing, he should be held accountable.
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But what if he wasn’t aware of what was going on in Smith’s household? Sometimes a reporter who publishes “facts” can get things wrong, but the injured party is still guilty in the court of public opinion.
I know first hand what that feels like. Many years ago I was injured financially because of false reporting by the media. Even though I was vindicated soon afterwards the damage was done.
That’s why I am always late to the party when it comes to writing about off the field situations concerning Buckeye players and coaches. I want to be sure of the facts instead of relying on hearsay like many others do. I would rather be correct in my assessment of a situation than be the first to make one.
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In the end, Urban Meyer will either be found to have had knowledge of the domestic abuse or he will be exonerated of the accusations against him. When either of those things are determined, or when facts are brought to light pertaining to the situation, I will write the story. Until then, silence is golden as far as I’m concerned.