Ohio State forms 6-person independent board to investigate Meyer

Ohio State announced it will appoint a six-person independent group to investigate head coach Urban Meyer, who was placed on paid administrative leave Wednesday.

Related: Ohio State places Meyer on paid administrative leave

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.

Zach was fired in July after a 2009 arrest and 2015 police investigation were revealed to the public. Courtney also filed an order of protection against Zach on July 20.

The university released the following statement on Thursday:

The Ohio State University Board of Trustees today formed a special, independent board working group related to the investigation involving Urban Meyer that was announced on Wednesday.

This group includes current trustees Alex Fischer, Janet Porter and Alex Shumate. Also on the panel are former Ohio House Speaker Jo Ann Davidson, former acting U.S. Deputy Attorney General Craig Morford and former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio Carter Stewart.

The special working group will direct the work of the investigative team and be available to provide consultation and advice and assist with communication to the full board on the matter.

Buckeyes offensive coordinator Ryan Day will serve as acting head coach in Meyer's absence.

Meyer provided his own statement on Wednesday.

"(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."