Ohio State football coach Urban Meyer told reporters at last month's Big Ten Media Day that he was unaware of a 2015 domestic violence incident former Buckeyes wide receiver Zach Smith and his now ex-wife, Courtney, claiming he was only informed of the situation right before his appearance.
"I got a text last night that something happened in 2015, and there was nothing," Meyer told reporters (H/T CBS Sports), adding, "I don't know who creates a story like that."
"I was never told about anything. Never anything came to light, never had a conversation about it. So I know nothing about it. I asked people back at the office to call and see what happened, and they came back and said they know nothing," Meyer said, according to Bleacher Report.
However, new developments suggest Meyer wasn't telling the truth. According to a report by Brett McMurphy, Meyer did have knowledge of the 2015 incident in which Smith was arrested for felonious assault and domestic violence of his then-wife. Smith was fired last month after he was charged with criminal trespassing in relation to dropping his children off at his ex-wife's home against her wishes.
McMurphy's report outlines a string of interviews and text messages that shows Meyer was well aware of the situation, despite his denial.
Some details of McMurphy's investigation include the following:
"Courtney's communication with wives of other Ohio State assistants and staffers. McMurphy writes that those wives "and a number of Ohio State assistant coaches were aware of Smith's domestic violence issues." Speaking with McMurphy, Courtney said, "All the [coaches] wives knew. They all did. Every single one."
"Courtney telling McMurphy the following: "Zach once told me, if he ever got fired and this all comes out: 'I'll take everyone at Ohio State down with me.'"
Additionally, McMurphy unearthed an exchange between Courtney and Lindsey Voltolini in the weeks following the 2015 incident. Lindsey's husband, Brian Voltolini, is reportedly "considered one of Meyer's most loyal staff members."
Courtney: "[Zach's] trying to make me look crazy bc that's what Shelley is saying [he's doing]"
Lindsey: "[Urban] just said [Zach] denied everything"
Courtney: "I hope urban is smarter than that"
Lindsey: "[Urban] doesn't know what to think"
Courtney: "I don't really care. Ya know"
Lindsey: "Yeah, don't worry about urb"
