Urban Meyer suspended for three games for handling of Zach Smith accusations, per reports

After opening an independent investigation earlier this month into reports that Urban Meyer was aware of domestic violence accusations against former assistant coach Zach Smith back in 2015, following a meeting with the university’s Board of Trustees, Ohio State president Michael V. Drake has made a decision.

Moments ago, in a press conference at the Longaberger Alumni House it was announced that Urban Meyer would be suspended for three weeks, but not fired for his handling of the situation.

In addition, Meyer will be held out of all coaching activity through September 2, but will presumably be able to work with the team after that, other than being held out for game day.

Meyer, who had been on administrative leave since August 1st, is headed into his seventh season in Columbus after being hired in November of 2011. With Meyer officially back for the game against Tulane, Ryan Day, will lead the Buckeyes for three contests, before returning to his usual position as offensive coordinator.

In addition, athletic director Gene Smith will be suspended from August 31-September 16.

This announcement is presumably a result of Ohio State’s internal investigation discovering enough information to clear Urban Meyer of a fireable offense, but still wanting to send a message that he did not conduct himself at the level that the university expects of a head coach.

While the suspension obviously isn’t ideal for Meyer, he will continue to serve as head coach at Ohio State for the foreseeable future. The university will likely release a statement soon, and Land-Grant Holy Land will have that covered as soon as it becomes available.