Believe it or not, there is still football to be played in Columbus, Ohio.
An investigation into Urban Meyer following accusations that he knew – and lied – about Zach Smith's alleged domestic violence history has swept up central Ohio as media coverage from local and national outlets continues to expand while few answers are given.
In the middle of all of this, though, is a football team trying to get ready for a season in which many believe they could make a run at a national title. When investigations like this occur, football usually becomes the last thing on the minds of those involved, especially when domestic violence is the subject of the investigation. That is probably for the best, but for the 18-to-22-year-olds that spend much of their time inside the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, football is their way to escape all of the things swirling around outside the program.
When the foot hits the ball in either practice or a game, that is all that matters. Outside distractions become just that once the ball is snapped. And from the outside looking in, Ohio State is trying to do everything it can to make sure that remains consistent.
The Buckeyes have brought in the likes of Sinbad the comedian (and uncle to safety Jordan Fuller) to entertain the team in between practices. The team has also been seen on Instagram having rock-paper-scissors competitions in the locker room.
Not sure how @MickeyMarotti feels about @sinbadbad's weight room life hacks today pic.twitter.com/ngCNSnD4KQ
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 4, 2018
Ohio State has to lean on the rest of its coaching staff, but perhaps even more importantly, its team leaders in a situation like this. The head coach that they committed to playing for over the next three or four years might not be around in a few weeks, and that is something that these players did not sign up for. Being around each other is important in these scenarios.
The Buckeyes have shared a new mantra on Twitter and one that seems to be circulating throughout the program right now: "Win The Moment." For the players inside the WHAC, that is all you can do in a situation like this, and as wide receiver Parris Campbell says in the video below, "We are back to do what we love, play ball."
Football is back. #GoBucks #WinTheMoment pic.twitter.com/KEQazuuict
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 6, 2018
Fans, and media, have become quick to jump to conclusions concerning the investigation and what might happen to Meyer once the dust finally settles in Columbus.
Regardless of what happens, there is still football to be played at Ohio State and the Buckeyes have a team that can still compete for championships.
In situations like this, people tend to forget that at the end of the day, this is just a game.
