Suspended Ohio State football coach Urban Meyer issued an apology Friday afternoon for his actions during this week’s press conference.
Wednesday night, Meyer was asked if he had a message for Courtney Smith. She is the ex-wife of former wide receivers coach Zach Smith, who has accused him of physically abusing her.
Wednesday, Meyer’s response was, “I have a message for everyone in this: I’m sorry we are in this situation.”
At the time, he did not address Courtney Smith by name, nor did he mention the allegations of domestic violence.
Friday, he issued a statement through Ohio State’s Media Relations Office addressing the issue of domestic violence, and Courtney Smith in particular.
Meyer is currently serving a suspension until Sunday, September 2. He will not be around his team during that time, and miss the team’s opening weekend game against Oregon State.
Meyer will return to the program following that game, but will be suspended for the next two games. The first is against Rutgers at home on September 8. The second is a neutral-site game against TCU in Arlington, Texas on September.
You can read his full statement is below.
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My words and demeanor on Wednesday did not show how seriously I take relationship violence. I sincerely apologize. I was taught at a very young age that if I ever hit a woman, I would be kicked out of the house and never welcomed back. I have the same rule in my house and in the Football Program at Ohio State. Over the years, we have worked hard to educate and remind our coaches and players of the seriousness of relationship violence. I understand my lack of more action in this situation has raised concerns about this commitment. I once again apologize for this, and I extend my empathy to all women, men and families who are affected by relationship violence. This has been a real learning experience for me. I fully intend to use my voice more effectively to be a part of the solution.
Let me say here and now what I should have said on Wednesday: I sincerely apologize to Courtney Smith and her children for what they have gone through.