After he did not directly respond when asked whether he had a message for Courtney Smith during Ohio State's press conference announcing his three-game suspension on Wednesday, Urban Meyer issued an apology to Courtney and her children in a statement via Twitter on Friday.
"My words and demeanor on Wednesday did not show how seriously I take relationship violence," Meyer said Friday. "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."
— Urban Meyer (@OSUCoachMeyer) August 24, 2018
Ohio State made the decision to suspend Meyer on Wednesday after determining in an investigation that Meyer "failed to take sufficient management action" against former Ohio State wide receivers coach Zach Smith, who has been accused of domestic violence on multiple occasions by Courtney Smith, his ex-wife. Zach has not faced charges for domestic violence, and says he has "never committed domestic abuse," but was fired by Ohio State on July 23 after a domestic violence civil protection order was filed against him.
When asked if he had a message for Courtney Smith during Wednesday night's press conference at the Longaberger Alumni House, Meyer gave the following response:
"Well, I have a message for everyone involved in this," Meyer said. "I'm sorry that we're in the situation. I'm just sorry we are in this situation."
On Friday, however, Meyer wanted to make it clear that he does not condone domestic violence.
"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," Meyer said. "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."
