Urban Meyer Says He Reported Domestic Violence Accusation

COLUMBUS, OH — Ohio State's embattled head coach Urban Meyer has released a statement saying he reported allegations of domestic violence leveled against Zach Smith, one of his assistant coaches, in 2015. He said he has always followed proper reporting protocols for these incidents.

"Over the past several days I have been portrayed as being indifferent to domestic violence and as someone who did not take appropriate action, when warranted," Meyer said. "While over three decades of coaching I have learned to ignore how others define me, I do feel it necessary to share the truth with the Buckeye family."

Knowledge of the possible abuse may have been wide spread among the Ohio State football community, according to Yahoo. Text message evidence indicates that Courtney Smith messaged several high-ranking members of the coaching staff and football administration about her allegations.

Smith was fired after accusations emerged that he abused his wife, Courtney Smith. Meyer has been placed on administrative leave by the university while investigators probe what he knew and when. For his part, Meyer has said his presence would be a distraction during the football team's training camp and agrees with the decision to place him on leave.

Ryan Day, Ohio State's offensive coordinator, has taken over head coaching duties in Meyer's absence. Ohio State football opened practice on Friday.

Meyer has also been removed from the breakfast chain Bob Evans' website, mere days after he landed an endorsement deal with the chain, Columbus Business First reported.

Meyer's full statement can be seen below.

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Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images