Urban gets ONLY 3 games suspension?
- Thread starter Hawkeyeinsoutherncalifornia
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Ok I just read the investigation report and some things are different than I originally thought. Apparently, the Powell police reported the incident to tOSU campus police and they reported it to the Title IX office. The Title IX office reported it to the AD and then he told UM. In the press conference, Gene Smith said he failed to report it to the compliance office which I thought meant Title IX. Anyway, the report goes into detail about nearly every aspect of this.
I find it funny that some people on here actually thought he would be fired. I never thought for a second he would be. OSU cares about winning football games and that’s it.
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anon_i8nzeu2gbf0ba
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When he's done molding young men as a coach, Urban will be well on his way to the White House. What a country.
College Gameday will have some great signs for the foreseeable future.
I don't believe so, but mainly because charges were dropped by his wife. There were rumors and possibly included in OSU's report that she was convinced to drop the charges by Smith's family and possibly others.
There are also reports that the police thought she was making it up and was using them as a way to gain leverage in their divorce
There is a hearing on Sept. 14 about his violation of the no contact/restraining order. His wife may be crazy, I don't know. But there's ample evidence in the texts she sent to Meyer's wife that he abused her. No one is credibly saying that she self-inflicted those injuries. And regardless of whether Smith is guilty of anything, we do know that he was having sex with an OSU staffer in the football offices, took lewd photos of himself while at the White House, racked up a $600 bill at a strip club while on a recruiting trip, and had weird stuff sent to himself at the football offices. And if we are to believe OSU, Meyer isn't aware of any of it. Well, he was aware of the strip club incident and the response was "don't do it again."
Yeah, I haven't read the report, so just looking at some snippets from it and comments by the OSU community, basically Meyer knew the bare minimum (yeah right) and reported it, so what more should he have done? Very PSU-like defense of Meyer saying that he told his boss, so what more could he have done as the most prominent individual in the state.
Don't worry in a few weeks the savior Matt Campbell will run his record to 0-3 against Iowa. Sooner or later he will be leave.
I like how the national media is, and rightfully so, ripping Meyer apart for his statement and how scripted and unemotional it was. He apologizes to Buckeye Nation multiple times but not Courtney Scott who got the crapped beat out of her. But this below tells you all you need to know about Urban "not knowing" or ever having discussion with his wife about the text. Who by the way should be fired from OSU for not mandatory reporting it as an employee the university..
Good work Urban way to cover your tracks...
Meyer talked with staffer about deleting texts the day before Ohio State obtained his phone
Investigators said they didn’t find any text messages older than a year on Meyer’s phone during their investigation. The phone was obtained by Ohio State on Aug. 2, the day after Meyer was placed on leave.
On Aug. 1, investigators noted that director of football operations Brian Voltolini told Meyer about a story that included text messages between Zach Smith’s ex-wife Courtney and Meyer’s wife Shelley. Voltolini called it a “bad article.” The two had a conversation about who could obtain the texts on Meyer’s phone and how the settings could be adjusted on it to delete text messages older than a year.
However, the report said it could not be concluded that Meyer’s phone wasn’t already set to that setting.
“We cannot determine, however, whether Coach Meyer’s phone was set to retain messages only for one year in response to the August 1st media report or at some earlier time. It is nonetheless concerning that his first reaction to a negative media piece exposing his knowledge of the 2015-2016 law enforcement investigation was to worry about the media getting access to information and discussing how to delete messages older than a year.”
Good work Urban way to cover your tracks...
Meyer talked with staffer about deleting texts the day before Ohio State obtained his phone
Investigators said they didn’t find any text messages older than a year on Meyer’s phone during their investigation. The phone was obtained by Ohio State on Aug. 2, the day after Meyer was placed on leave.
On Aug. 1, investigators noted that director of football operations Brian Voltolini told Meyer about a story that included text messages between Zach Smith’s ex-wife Courtney and Meyer’s wife Shelley. Voltolini called it a “bad article.” The two had a conversation about who could obtain the texts on Meyer’s phone and how the settings could be adjusted on it to delete text messages older than a year.
However, the report said it could not be concluded that Meyer’s phone wasn’t already set to that setting.
“We cannot determine, however, whether Coach Meyer’s phone was set to retain messages only for one year in response to the August 1st media report or at some earlier time. It is nonetheless concerning that his first reaction to a negative media piece exposing his knowledge of the 2015-2016 law enforcement investigation was to worry about the media getting access to information and discussing how to delete messages older than a year.”
Urban and Shelly Meyer already counseled them after the first incident while at Florida. What more do they need.
Exactly ... You summed it up perfectly ... I never really cared for OSU but I will say I now have absolutely no respect for the program ... It's all about winning in Columbus ... And if Urban had 3 consecutive 7-5 seasons up to this point he would have been GONE ... But, since he wins games and competes for national titles we will give him a slap on the wrist ... I have a new-found dislike for the Buckeyes.
I actually thought that this was going to end in his termination for sure. O$U cares mostly about winning and the cash that comes with it.....no doubt....but I think, and figured they would think as well, that the OSU brand could get another top notch Coach who could win at a high level very soon.
I really thought this fact would make them not want to weather the $hit storm of awful publicity they are going to endure. maybe they think this will blow up for a few weeks and then be forgotten (and maybe it will). But I feel this is going to hurt their brand and their recruiting more than they predict.
although, maybe they didn't realize that UM would be an absolute smug, heartless jackass during the press conference. "I am sorry we are all in this position." WTF? you kidding me? what position are you in Urban? Definitely not a position of fearing for your safety, or worried about the safety of your children.
He is not a good person. I am glad I do not have to have anything to do with the program he is in charge of. sad and sickening.
As bad as this situation was, I think that termination may have been a bit much. However, the 3-game suspension is a joke, and really shows that nobody really cared to address the real issue and nobody learned a thing - they just treated it like a random issue with the football program. They had to “do something” so they arbitrarily chose a 3-game suspension.
What I really would have liked to see, and would have earned my respect, is a 1-year suspension. Urban would be spending that time in sensitivity training, raising awareness for domestic abuse and promoting programs that support battered women (not to mention requiring a large monetary donation). I agree with everyone that his speech was awful and would have liked to have him required to apologize specifically to mrs Smith.
That would have shown me that the university cares and wanted to actually work towards actually fixing a problem and not just make a football issue go away as fast as possible. Who knows; maybe Urban would have actually learned something tangible about himself and realized what an awful human being he has been. Instead, the only thing he will learn is not to get caught next time.
Very disappointed in tOSU, but like most of you, not at all surprised.
What I really would have liked to see, and would have earned my respect, is a 1-year suspension. Urban would be spending that time in sensitivity training, raising awareness for domestic abuse and promoting programs that support battered women (not to mention requiring a large monetary donation). I agree with everyone that his speech was awful and would have liked to have him required to apologize specifically to mrs Smith.
That would have shown me that the university cares and wanted to actually work towards actually fixing a problem and not just make a football issue go away as fast as possible. Who knows; maybe Urban would have actually learned something tangible about himself and realized what an awful human being he has been. Instead, the only thing he will learn is not to get caught next time.
Very disappointed in tOSU, but like most of you, not at all surprised.
The 3 game suspension is more than a joke. It’s basically just a one game suspension. He can attend, participate and address his players for the 2nd and 3rd game week of practices. He just can’t be on the field for the 2nd and 3rd games. What a farce!
Was anyone else here insulted as much as I was by the act put on by these three OSU officials. Patting themselves on their backs for all the long hard hours they had spent "deliberating", begrudgingly confirming many untruths told by Meyers but concluding that no intentional lies where told. Handing out a minuscule 3 game suspension (which was described as one full week, and two Saturdays - 9 days); while giving Meyers and OSU an excuse if they lose an early non-Conference game against TCU and while making sure Meyers is back in the saddle two full weeks before the first meaningful B1G game against Penn State with a tune up against Tulane the week prior.
Are you like me? Wondering where is the penalty in this penalty?
And they think we bought all their solemn pretense, carefully sidestepping the real issue of abuse and a continued blatant show of "no concern" for the real victims. It just goes to show you how little OSU respects the rest of the football world, how stupid they think we all are.
Where is the NCAA and B1G Ten weighing in on all this horse pucky?
[Sorry, a bit of a repost]
Are you like me? Wondering where is the penalty in this penalty?
And they think we bought all their solemn pretense, carefully sidestepping the real issue of abuse and a continued blatant show of "no concern" for the real victims. It just goes to show you how little OSU respects the rest of the football world, how stupid they think we all are.
Where is the NCAA and B1G Ten weighing in on all this horse pucky?
[Sorry, a bit of a repost]
I have been wondering why Jim Tressel was fired for what he did and UM was retained.
Do you suppose this is purely a coincidence?
On December 7, 2010, Ohio State was notified by the Department of Justice that it had in its possession many items of Ohio State sports memorabilia seized from Edward Rife's tattoo parlor. In the ensuing investigation, Tressel was questioned by Ohio State on December 16 concerning his knowledge of the activities disclosed by the Justice Department (the sale of rings, jerseys, and football memorabilia to Rife). Tressel denied any specific knowledge of the violations, and claimed that he could not remember who had given him the vague information.
On December 8, 2010, Meyer announced his retirement from coaching (at Florida) for much the same reasons he mentioned in December 2009: his family and his health.
Do you suppose this is purely a coincidence?
On December 7, 2010, Ohio State was notified by the Department of Justice that it had in its possession many items of Ohio State sports memorabilia seized from Edward Rife's tattoo parlor. In the ensuing investigation, Tressel was questioned by Ohio State on December 16 concerning his knowledge of the activities disclosed by the Justice Department (the sale of rings, jerseys, and football memorabilia to Rife). Tressel denied any specific knowledge of the violations, and claimed that he could not remember who had given him the vague information.
On December 8, 2010, Meyer announced his retirement from coaching (at Florida) for much the same reasons he mentioned in December 2009: his family and his health.
I'll be devil's advocate here:
I am not sure why everyone thinks he should be fired. First, the compliance issue is a non-issue with Meyer. The compliance office knew about the accusations. The AD knew about them, what else is Meyer supposed to do.
Secondly, be careful about making someone judge, jury and executioner when it comes to issues like domestic abuse. There are instances that are obvious and should be handled immediately. This instance I don't know but there were never any charges. It sounds like an on-going thing between Chris Smith and his wife. If the police did not pursue anything why is Meyer all of a sudden supposed to be executioner. Unless I had some explicit evidence that justified immediate attention, I would have let it play out in the judicial system as well if I were in a similar situation. You could say he should not have hired Smith at OSU with the possible baggage he had at Florida. I would not have brought him in with my team if I were in the same situation. Termination for poor judgement in this case I feel would be a bit over the top not knowing all the details with Chris Smith and his wife.
As far as the cell phone thing being wiped clean before he handed it in. Smart move. Nothing on there other than roses would have helped Meyer so why wouldn't he wipe it clean. I don't care how bad it looks that was the correct move if you are Meyer.
A three game suspension for lying to a reporter with a question he was not prepared for and poor judgement on bringing Chris Smith with him from Florida. You could add a game or two but that sounds about right to me unless there is more than we are seeing/hearing on the Chris Smith issues.
I am not sure why everyone thinks he should be fired. First, the compliance issue is a non-issue with Meyer. The compliance office knew about the accusations. The AD knew about them, what else is Meyer supposed to do.
Secondly, be careful about making someone judge, jury and executioner when it comes to issues like domestic abuse. There are instances that are obvious and should be handled immediately. This instance I don't know but there were never any charges. It sounds like an on-going thing between Chris Smith and his wife. If the police did not pursue anything why is Meyer all of a sudden supposed to be executioner. Unless I had some explicit evidence that justified immediate attention, I would have let it play out in the judicial system as well if I were in a similar situation. You could say he should not have hired Smith at OSU with the possible baggage he had at Florida. I would not have brought him in with my team if I were in the same situation. Termination for poor judgement in this case I feel would be a bit over the top not knowing all the details with Chris Smith and his wife.
As far as the cell phone thing being wiped clean before he handed it in. Smart move. Nothing on there other than roses would have helped Meyer so why wouldn't he wipe it clean. I don't care how bad it looks that was the correct move if you are Meyer.
A three game suspension for lying to a reporter with a question he was not prepared for and poor judgement on bringing Chris Smith with him from Florida. You could add a game or two but that sounds about right to me unless there is more than we are seeing/hearing on the Chris Smith issues.
yeah ok you're an idiot....if wiping your phone the day before the investigation began doesn't scream guilty than nothing does. UM got away with this and if you see anything else you are just plain stupid
I didn't say it wasn't a scumbag move. Don't put words in my mouth. I said from Meyer's point of view it was the smart move.
1) there was the 2009 incident to begin with. Which he recently lied about as well. he said that he met with with wife and husband and she recanted. He only met with Zach. So there is one lie.
2) he never informed the AD about Zach Smith when he was hired
3) Zach not only had the 2015 incident but other incidents that would have gotten anyone else fired and ignored his AD when told he should get rid of Zach.
4) lied on big ten media days about what he knew and when he knew it. Apparently the investigators didn't believe him on numerous other things.
5) deleted text messages which shows another intent to lie to investigators
6) blamed lies on memory loss problems from medication which if it is causing that much memory loss he probably shouldn't be the head coach.
7) all the lies and deception and keeping someone on staff that should have been gone years ago shows a disregard for not only just the truth but a disregard for the integrity of the university and shows that he thinks that he is above everyone else.
He didn't even have to fire the guy. he could have just not renewed his contract. I can see not firing the guy for simply lying about what he knew but with all the other stuff that was found out I would have let him go. I would be worried what else he has let go with other assistant coaches and would be worried about his truthfulness with everything else in the program, i.e. recruiting violations etc.
You raise some good points, except for a few things that bother me - wasn't Smith fired because of domestic abuse? If UM wasn't supposed to be the executioner, who is?
The lying to a reporter thing only bothers me for these reasons - why wasn't he prepared? And, why was his "unprepared" reaction to lie about it?
And deleting the text messages - maybe smart by UM to do that ONLY if there was questionable or damning information there, right?
We don't know the whole story and all the facts. It's interesting to me that the Board did not even want to suspend him. Without looking, I'm certain the Board is made up of very smart and successful people that are charged with overseeing the entire University. They have a lot more at risk, and a lot more responsibility that just winning football games. It says a lot that they didn't want him punished at all.
What's funny to me is the outside investigation did it's job. They came back and said Meyer is a liar and a shady individual. OSU said they already knew that and gave him three games for appearance sake.
Good point.
Also, I bet at away games OSU might see in the student section a few "wife beater" undershirts inscribed with "OSU."
Otoh, might be seen as making light of domestic abuse so maybe not ... but we are talking college students here.
So your wife suspects that your neighbor who you play golf with and he's a fishing buddy, of abusing his wife. He even works for the same company that you do. The neighbor's wife even says that he does abuse her. Do you go to the police? Do you tell his supervisor at work? Do you tell your supervisor at work? Should you be fired if you ignore the situation? Do you keep playing golf and fishing with him? What do you do? What should you be held responsible for doing?
So are you trying to compare a fishing buddy of possibly abusing his wife to a head coach of one of the top 5 college football programs whose wife and he knew for a fact there was abuse at past job (I.e. were they “counseled” them) and she finds out again that it has happened again at new job where both are mandatory reporters as state employees.
Sorry your scenario is so far off from urban Meyers in so many facets it’s not even close. Quite laughable actually and a miserable fail.
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Big time coaches and players get away with crimes. That's just a way of life. This will almost be forgotten in about a year. Especially if OS gets into the National title games. If this was a coach from any other middle of the run colleges in the B10 they would have been fired. But your top 15 colleges in America, this will be tolerated. Just the way of America sports...
