Ohio State AD Gene Smith taking vacation during Urban Meyer investigation

Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith is taking a week vacation, even as the investigation into head coach Urban Meyer progresses.

Taking a vacation in the middle of an investigation involving one of the most high-profile coaches in America is an interesting decision by Smith, especially since he has yet to comment on the situation.

Lu Ann Stoia of ABC 6 News in Columbus had the report.

OSU says Athletic Director Gene Smith is taking a week of vacation. This comes as his head football coach Urban Meyer is on administrative leave during investigation into handling of 2015 domestic violence allegations against former assistant coach Zach Smith.

— Lu Ann Stoia (@stoiawsyx6) August 9, 2018

First OSU #football game September 1. We have learned head coach #Urban Meyer is not allowed in Woody Hayes Athletic Center, in on-campus buildings, no email, no #OSU issued communication devices, no contact with players or coaches while on administrative leave.

— Lu Ann Stoia (@stoiawsyx6) August 9, 2018

Smith will be available to discuss with the investigative team if necessary, according to ABC 6:

“He is available to speak with the investigative team. The university is focused on supporting our student-athletes as they prepare for the upcoming semester. We can’t comment further during the pending investigation,” said (Ben) Johnson on Thursday afternoon in an e-mail.

Ohio State set a 14-day timetable on the investigation into Meyer and what he may have known about the domestic violence incident involving former Ohio State assistant Zach Smith.

Meyer is still on paid administrative leave.