The Ohio State University finally came down with its ruling on head football coach Urban Meyer and what he knew about abuse allegations made against former assistant Zach Smith.
With Meyer on paid administrative leave, the investigation wrapped up on Sunday. And on Wednesday, Ohio State suspended the head coach for the first three games of the season.
Needless to say, this was met with some harsh reactions from those in the sports world — most of whom believe Meyer’s punishment is nowhere near as severe as it should have been.
Unpaid UNC players suspended 4 games for selling sneakers. $7.6 million Urban Meyer suspended 3 games for something much worse. Why are athletes being held to a higher standard than coaches?
— Carolina Blitz (@KeepBlitzin) August 23, 2018
Based off this press conference and their findings… why is Urban being suspended at all? Have I missed where they gave the reason why?
— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) August 23, 2018
Urban Meyer and Gene Smith also failed to report the allegations against Zach Smith to anyone and they "did not provide an adequate response" under their contracts. This means Ohio State probably could have fired Urban Meyer and Gene Smith for cause.
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) August 23, 2018
$437,260: What Urban Meyer made while on administrative leave during 3-week investigation, based on $7.6 million in 2018 compensation.
$291,507: What Urban Meyer will lose over his 14 suspended days without pay, based on $7.6 million in 2018 compensation.
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) August 23, 2018
"I want to apologize to Buckeye nation. I followed my heart and not my head… I should have done more, and I am sorry for that." – Urban Meyer
More at https://t.co/JB1AAXRNa2 pic.twitter.com/IND6lF708k
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) August 23, 2018
Ohio State had players who traded memorabilia for tattoos that served a longer suspension than Urban Meyer will. That’s sad
— Trevor Maeder (@TrevMaeder96) August 23, 2018
https://twitter.com/eightlaces/status/1032436822062850050
“It’s not a lie… if you believe it.” – Urban Meyer #OhioState pic.twitter.com/biy6ZE3h3G
— Austin Stanley (@AustinStanley81) August 23, 2018
It’s incredibly bizarre how much of this investigative document concludes that Urban Meyer Is A Good Man.
— Ryan Nanni (@celebrityhottub) August 23, 2018
https://twitter.com/PSUBarstool/status/1032432329564803072
Courtney Smith told Urban Meyer’s wife she’s being abused.
Courtney Smith texted Meyer’s wife photos of the abuse.
But the investigation decides Meyer had a “good faith belief” there wasn’t “sufficient information” to report it or to discipline Zach Smith?This is embarrassing. pic.twitter.com/JWjDtagXYv
— Randy Scott (@RandyScottESPN) August 23, 2018
LSU CB Kristian Fulton gets two years and Urban Meyer gets three games. Man what an absolute joke.
— Sharief Ishaq (@ShariefWDSU) August 23, 2018