COLUMBUS, Ohio (WTVN)--Ohio State Football Coach Urban Meyer has apologized to Courtney Smith and her children.
In a statement issued late Friday, Meyer says the apology to them was something he should have said on Wednesday, after he was given a three-game suspension for his knowledge of an alleged domestic violence incident involving now-former Wide Receivers Coach Zach Smith from 2015.
Zach Smith was fired in July, just before Big Ten Media Days. In Chicago, Meyer said the incident from 2015 was "nothing."
The investigation into Meyer, which was completed over the weekend, concluded that Meyer lied about his knowledge of the incident, but did not intend to mislead people.
Athletics Director Gene Smith has also been suspended for 17 days, from August 31st to September 16th.
Here is the complete statement Friday from Meyer:
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.