Ohio State announces the investigation into head coach Urban Meyer will be completed on Sunday, meeting the 14-day timeframe originally set. A final announcement can be expected from Ohio State University President Michael Drake next week, "following deliberations with the Board [of Trustees] and appropriate time for consideration." A public notice of the Board of Trustees will be released at least 24 hours in advance. From an Ohio State release: The independent working group directing the investigation involving Urban Meyer announced today that the investigation will be completed on Sunday, as planned. The investigators will then prepare a report for the working group to be delivered next week. Following receipt, the working group will share the report with the Board of Trustees in an executive session to be held next week. As required by law, public notice of the meeting will be released at least 24 hours in advance. Following deliberations with the board, and appropriate time for consideration, President Michael V. Drake will announce his decision. Ohio State’s Board of Trustees had formed a special, independent working group to direct this investigation. Former Ohio House Speaker Jo Ann Davidson serves as chair of the working group. The investigation is being led by former Chair of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Mary Jo White. White is a senior chair with the national law firm Debevoise & Plimpton and is also a former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York. Additional details will be shared next week. Meyer was placed on paid administrative leave on Aug. 1 while Ohio State investigated his knowledge of domestic abuse allegations surrounding former wide receivers coach Zach Smith and his subsequent action. Two days after being placed on leave, Meyer issued a statement saying he did know about the domestic abuse allegations and that he followed proper protocols, and apologized for the way he handled questions at Big Ten Media Days.<doc-sep>Ohio State announced Sunday it had formed an independent investigative team to look into the handling of allegations in 2015 that a former football assistant abused his wife. It’s expected to conclude within 14 days. The investigation will be led by Mary Jo White, who has been a part of numerous NFL inquiries, including on former Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson, the New Orleans Saints‘ bounty scandal and the domestic abuse case of Ezekiel Elliott, himself a former Buckeye. Head coach Urban Meyer is on administrative leave over what he knew and what he did following a 2015 domestic abuse claim against then-assistant coach Zach Smith. Meyer originally said he wasn’t aware of it, but now claims he was. He further implied in a statement Friday that he followed proper reporting protocols. He has not explained why he kept Smith on staff despite multiple allegations through the years. As the college football world speculates on Meyer, one of the common talking points is that Ohio State, in 2011, fired then-head coach Jim Tressel for lying about his knowledge of NCAA violations committed by his players (most famously trading memorabilia for cash and tattoos). One theory goes that if Ohio State terminated Tressel for something as inconsequential (at least in society) as extra benefits, then how can it not fire Meyer for something as serious as alleged domestic abuse. It makes sense … except that isn’t what happened in 2011. In this Jan. 7, 2007 photo, Jim Tressel (L) and Urban Meyer (R) are joined by former Ohio State coach Earle Bruce. (AP) Tressel was, indeed, guilty of covering up violations at the time, which was a clear-cut major NCAA violation and broke the terms of his employment contract. Ohio State, however, didn’t believe that merited dismissal. It merely suspended him for two games and fined him $250,000. It even offered a full-throated defense of the coach. “Wherever we end up, Jim Tressel is our football coach,” Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith said in March 2011, when the original story about Tressel’s knowledge was reported publicly by Yahoo Sports. “He is our coach, and we trust him implicitly.” Story continues While Tressel, months later, did resign as the Buckeyes coach, that came after additional potential violations were reported by various media outlets. It was not directly related to a failure to report or straight-out lying to the NCAA about what he knew. Does the Tressel situation serve as precedent or insight into Ohio State’s value system? If so, then perhaps Meyer may be in a good position unless the investigative team finds further troubling information. Times have changed, of course, and the core issues are very different – extra benefits vs. domestic abuse. The NCAA cares about only one. The other, everyone should. Regardless, the Tressel timeline, often misrepresented since the Meyer scandal broke last week, is worth a review. In April of 2010, Tressel received multiple emails from a local attorney noting that a Columbus tattoo parlor owner named Edward Rife was under federal investigation for drug trafficking. The attorney reported that at the parlor, Fine Line Ink, was a large collection of Ohio State football memorabilia, including championship rings, and game-worn items signed by current and recent Buckeye players. Tressel communicated with multiple people about the situation but did not alert Ohio State, as his contract and NCAA rules mandated. He also signed an NCAA form stating he knew of no potential violations within the program. The athletes involved played the entire 2010 season. In December of 2010, a federal raid of the tattoo parlor uncovered the items. The local U.S. Attorney’s Office alerted Ohio State. An investigation was launched but Tressel never mentioned his prior knowledge. On Dec. 22, 2010, Ohio State and the NCAA jointly announced five-game suspensions handed down to five players, including star quarterback Terrelle Pryor, for selling and trading memorabilia. Tressel remained silent about his knowledge. On Jan. 13, 2011, the Ohio State legal affairs department, conducting a more thorough investigation, discovered Tressel’s email exchanges. Three days later, Tressel is questioned and admits he received, read and responded to them. A month later Ohio State tells the NCAA that Tressel committed violations. There is still no discipline for Tressel at that time. On March 7, 2011, Yahoo Sports reported that Tressel had received the emails and thus knew about the violations but never reported it. On March 8, 2011, Gene Smith held a news conference announcing Tressel would be suspended for two games and fined. At that news conference, then-Ohio State president Gordon Gee was asked if he had considered firing Tressel and famously responded, “No, are you kidding me? Let me be very clear. I’m just hoping the coach doesn’t dismiss me.” On March 17, 2011, Tressel asked to be suspended three additional games so his punishment matches that of his players. The school was actually more lenient on him than he thought he deserved. That could have been the end of the story and it’s possible Tressel, 65, might still be coaching the Buckeyes. Instead he’s the president of Youngstown State University. However, in the months that followed, additional stories from numerous media outlets were published focusing on the purchase of used cars by players, cash payments to players and other extra benefits. The final blow was a lengthy Sports Illustrated report suggesting a wide array of violations within the program. When the magazine requested comment from the school over Memorial Day weekend, support for the coach faded. On May 30, 2011, Memorial Day, Tressel resigned. While covering up the original memorabilia sales set the stage for his eventual resignation, in the moment Ohio State was more than ready to continue on with Jim Tressel. A year later the school hired Urban Meyer and now everything is back where it started. Does 2011 matter in 2018? Maybe, maybe not. Ohio State could risk further NCAA violations to emerge back then. It was just NCAA violations, after all. Domestic violence is an entirely different thing, rightfully more significant.<doc-sep>Today’s Headlines The most important news stories of the day, curated by Post editors and delivered every morning. By signing up you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy<doc-sep>COLUMBUS, Ohio — All appeared quiet at the Les Wexner Football Complex at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center under sunny skies and 80-degree temperatures Friday morning. A voice echoed through a bullhorn as Ohio State's football team conducted a practice closed to media. Head coach Urban Meyer, placed on paid administrative leave Wednesday, wasn't present. A special independent board formed by the Ohio State University Board of Trustees was beginning its investigation. It seemed due process would clear up whether Meyer knew about former assistant coach Zach Smith's history of domestic violence — specifically, an incident in 2015. The details in multiple reports from national college football writer Brett McMurphy need to be addressed with more clarity. MORE: Ohio State can't repeat same mistake with Meyer At 11:30 a.m. Friday, Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith walked to his car while local TV reporters shouted questions from behind a fence. Smith didn't stop to answer. Big Ten Network analyst Stanley Jackson, a former Ohio State quarterback, spelled out the reality of the situation shortly after Smith's car pulled away from the facility. "The sad thing here is there are no winners," Jackson told Sporting News. "The (Zach) Smith family has imploded. There are two kids involved there. There's this marriage that did not work. Now you have Meyer's family involved. You have the other coaches' wives involved. This thing is pretty volatile." Jackson had no idea how prophetic those words turned out to be. At 4:22 p.m., clouds formed. Meyer tweeted a statement saying he reported the alleged Zach Smith domestic violence incident in 2015 through the proper channels, contradicting what he said at Big Ten Media Days a day after firing Smith on July 23. At 6:02 p.m., after a round of local radio spots, Zach Smith defended Meyer's actions in an interview with ESPN that aired on "SportsCenter." When asked how he'd feel if the coach who fired him would be fired, too, Smith gave a surprising answer. "If he loses his job, it's flat wrong," Smith said. "That's the guy who fired me. It would be a crime." A crime? Zach Smith said he never abused his wife, and then at 6:54 p.m. McMurphy revealed another disturbing text exchange between Zach and Courtney Smith. Zach Smith told @1057TheZone he never abused Courtney. Here is text message b/w Zach & Courtney when he admits & apologizes for strangling his wife on Punta Cana trip in March 2015 & again in April pic.twitter.com/GjcjWh6mFT — Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) August 3, 2018 The storm at Ohio State was now a full-fledged maelstrom. What seemed like an investigation that would run its course was now a public relations nightmare with lines drawn between Zach Smith and Courtney Smith, Meyer, Gene Smith, the Ohio State administration and Buckeyes fans wondering whether Meyer, who has a 73-8 record since 2012, will coach in 2018. It only took a few hours, but that dizzying release of new information redefined not only Ohio State, but also big-time college football. If anything is clear, it's that self-preservation seems to be Meyer's and Zach Smith's main priority. Jackson is right. There are no winners. * * * * * All-in. That's the best way to describe Meyer's statement, considering he is on administrative leave. Meyer put his reputation, his future in Columbus and his coaching career on the line with his statement. Before it was released, longtime Columbus Dispatch reporter Tim May wondered what the end game for the investigation would be. "The bottom line is we don't know all the facts yet, and the facts haven't been cleared up for us," May told SN. "What I mean by that is, what is the committee going to be looking at most seriously with Urban Meyer? Past that, what is the jeopardy he faces if A, B or C has happened?" Meyer hasn't made that easy. He fumbled through an explanation at Big Ten Media Days about the 2015 incident involving Smith — before saying on Friday that he'd reported the incident. That begs the question: Why did Meyer keep Zach Smith on his staff, knowing that history? That's the risk Meyer took, and it could end up costing him his job. MORE: Meyer can only blame himself for poor priorities Meyer offered an apology, but it came with an ultimatum of sorts at the end. Perhaps that was motivated by his contract or his reputation, or both. But it's out there for everyone to see. "I ask that you continue to support the incredible coaches and student-athletes in our program, and I look forward to rejoining them soon," he said. Meyer, who led Ohio State to a national championship in 2014 and is 6-0 against rival Michigan, took resignation off the table. He's either staying — and perhaps serving a suspension — or getting fired. There's no in between now, and there can't be. One of the most influential public figures in Ohio — and all of college football — just put it out there. All-in. He also got support from Zach Smith, a twist that could either hurt or help. * * * * * Zach and Courtney Smith's divorce is now public, nasty and part of the dividing line between those who argue whether Meyer should stay or go. Zach Smith's interview on ESPN appeared to be a defense of Meyer, who he said reported the 2015 incident properly. He also said Gene Smith (no relation) had that information. "(Meyer) looked me said, 'I swear to God, Zach, if I found out you hit her, you're done. You're fired,'" Zach Smith said in the interview. Zach Smith went on the defensive after multiple reports arose from McMurphy about the situation, including first-hand accounts from Courtney Smith, pictures that showed her badly bruised and a text exchange with Urban Meyer's wife, Shelley. Zach Smith said those bruises were a result of "defensive actions" and repeatedly defended his personal life.<doc-sep>
COLUMBUS, Ohio — There is a tangible aura of transition on this massive campus this weekend. Moving vans are double-parked, boxes are overflowing and parents are unloading cars as students return to Ohio State by the tens of thousands for the 2018-19 academic year. The lingering question is whether this transition period will include a moving out of the most famous man on campus — football coach Urban Meyer. Ohio State announced Friday afternoon that its independent inquiry into Meyer, and his handling of domestic abuse allegations against former assistant coach Zach Smith, will be completed as planned on Sunday, 14 days after it began. After that, its findings will be delivered to the university board of trustees. From there, school president Michael V. Drake will deliberate with the board and a decision will be made. The expectation is that Meyer’s fate will be announced sometime next week. A large, fiercely loyal and decidedly anxious fan base is left waiting and wondering. Just off a street named Undisputed Way in honor of the 2014 national championship team, there’s an undisputed feeling of muddled confliction. There’s a comfort in Meyer’s paid leave and a general desire for his return. But that’s only provided that the investigation found Meyer properly handled the allegations against Smith. “It’s kind of a mess,” said Christian Rivers, a junior from Pickerington, Ohio, as he walked through the Ohio State Student Union on Friday. “I don’t really know what to believe. If Urban knew [about Smith’s alleged abuse of his ex-wife, Courtney], he should be gone. I love Urban as a coach, but if he did wrong, he did wrong. Some people think this is about football, but it’s really about decent human morality.” While Urban Meyer is out on administrative leave during an investigation, Ohio State’s community waits in limbo. (AP) Although every student interviewed by Yahoo Sports acknowledged not having a full command of the case and all the facts, many of them were viewing the situation through more than just a football prism. They adored Meyer as a coach and enjoyed the benefits of his winning, but they don’t want him back if he enabled Smith. Story continues “I think everyone is confused by what to think,” said Justin Levine, who’d just returned from his home outside New York City to what he called a “weird vibe” on campus. “You hope that he did nothing wrong, and you hope that he’s back on the field week one against Oregon State. But at the same time, if he was hiding something like that it’s inexcusable.” What became apparent later on Friday was that the behavior Smith exhibited in the Woody Hayes Athletic Center may end up being inexcusable for university administrators as well. The domestic abuse allegations into Smith have put his personal and professional life under media scrutiny, and the results have gone from dark allegations of his domestic behavior to lurid. Brett McMurphy reported on Stadium that Smith had sex with a former staffer in his office and took photographs. McMurphy also reported that Smith took pictures of his penis when Ohio State visited the White House. Before Friday’s latest news drop on Stadium, the story had hit a bit of a lull in Ohio. Dustin Fox, a former Buckeye player who hosts the “Bull & Fox” radio show on 92.3 The Fan in Cleveland, said Meyer’s status hadn’t been much of a conversation topic the last three days. Locally, the Columbus Dispatch didn’t mention Meyer’s name or even have a passing reference to Buckeye football in Friday’s newspaper. There was a front-page story that alluded to what a tenuous time it is at the university, as the top story read: “Feds investigate Ohio State.” It is in relation to the other salacious scandal on campus, the wide-spread sexual assault case tied to former university physician Richard Strauss. With little news on Meyer’s case and interview access cut off, there hadn’t been much to talk about. To fill the vacuum, Ohio State released position-by-position breakdowns via a letter from interim coach Ryan Day, which elicited some gentle mockery on Twitter. Fox said the state of the situation was best summed up on his show this week by Bruce Hooley, a host on 105.7 The Zone in Columbus, who said that the story has evolved to where few people were seeking facts anymore. Instead, they were looking for information that supported their point of view.