Ohio State will complete Meyer investigation by Sunday
Ohio State president Michael V. Drake announced Friday that the university's investigation into head coach Urban Meyer will be completed by Sunday.
The investigation will determine how Meyer handled domestic violence claims involving now-former assistant Zach Smith in 2015. Meyer was placed on paid administrative leave Aug. 1.
Courtney Smith, Zach Smith's ex-wife, stated that Meyer knew of the domestic violence claims levied against her former husband in 2015. Smith categorically denied attacking her in an interview with ESPN.
The university released the following statement, noting that the investigators will prepare a report for the working group next week:
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.
Related: Ohio State forms 6-person independent board to investigate Meyer
Ryan Day is serving as the school's acting head coach in Meyer's absence. Day also released a statement on the team's website, giving fans an informal progress report.
"You will be proud to know that our players and coaching staff have attacked each day and forged together as a team," he said in a statement posted to the Buckeyes' official website. "Our program starts and ends with our players, and the leaders of this team are incredibly focused and determined to maximize our talents to be the best team possible when we line up on Sept. 1.
"The energy level the entire group has brought to each day is a testament to the work ethic and perseverance of our program. Our coaching staff has been outstanding driving the program during this camp."