Ohio State places Meyer on paid administrative leave

Ohio State placed head coach Urban Meyer on paid administrative leave, the university announced Wednesday, per Ralph D. Russo of The Associated Press.

Buckeyes offensive coordinator Ryan Day will serve as interim head coach while Meyer is being investigated by the university.

Courtney Smith, the ex-wife of former Ohio State assistant football coach Zach Smith, stated that Meyer knew of a domestic violence allegation levied against her former husband in 2015. Meyer ultimately fired Zach Smith in July after his 2009 arrest and a 2015 police investigation were made public.

"I do believe he (Meyer) knew and instead he chose to help the abuser and enable the abuser and believe whatever story Zach was telling everybody," Courtney Smith said, via ESPN.

Cleveland.com obtained nine police reports involving either or both Zach and Courtney Smith, spanning from Jan. 1, 2012 to July 26, 2018. Courtney Smith filed an order of protection against Zach Smith on July 20.

Courtney Smith said that Shelley Meyer, Urban's wife, knew about both the 2009 and 2015 incidents involving Zach.

"Shelley said she was going to have to tell Urban," Courtney Smith said. "I said: 'That's fine, you should tell Urban.' I know Shelley did everything she could."

Ohio State released the following statement:

"The university is conducting an investigation into these allegations. During the inquiry, Urban Meyer will be on paid administrative leave. Ryan Day will serve as acting head football coach during the investigation. We are focused on supporting our players and on getting to the truth as expeditiously as possible."

Meyer also released his own statement:

"(Athletic director) Gene (Smith) and I agree that being on leave during this inquiry will facilitate its completion. This allows the team to conduct training camp with minimal distraction. I eagerly look forward to the resolution of this matter."