© 2024 WOSU Public Media
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Courtney Smith Interviewed In Urban Meyer Probe

Ohio State football coach Urban Meyer
Michael Conroy
/
Associated Press

Courtney Smith, the ex-wife of fired Ohio State assistant coach Zach Smith, has talked to university investigators about her domestic abuse allegations.

Courtney Smith’s attorney says Smith was interviewed Monday. She was accompanied by her lawyers and "welcomed the opportunity to speak to the investigators," according to an emailed statement from attorney Julia Leveridge.

Ohio State trustees initiated the probe to determine if coach Urban Meyer properly handled domestic abuse allegations against former receivers coach and recruiting coordinator Zach Smith.

Courtney Smith alleged that she told Meyer’s wife about a 2015 incident with her then-husband, during which he was arrested and charged with domestic violence. Those charges were later dropped.

Meyer said he followed “proper reporting protocols” in 2015, weeks after denying that he knew about the incident.

Leveridge said that her client was not contacted by the university about her 2015 claims.

Meyer remains on paid administrative leave while the university investigates his conflicting statements. The investigation, which is being conducted by a six-person special committee appointed by the Board of Trustees, is expected to take about a week longer.

Zach Smith has denied being abusive with his ex-wife and has never been charged. But a court granted his ex-wife a domestic protection order on July 20, which led to his firing by Ohio State.