Ohio University Fires Head Football Coach Brian Smith for Relationship with Student, Alcohol Misconduct
Now we know why Ohio University fired Bobcats coach Brian Smith after the school newspaper reported that authorities determined he had an inappropriate relationship with a student and was abusing alcohol.
Smith, who had previously been suspended for two weeks, was fired Wednesday after the school completed its investigation into his conduct. Yet upon his release, neither school officials nor the coach and his representatives revealed what led the school to make its decision.
Officials said only that Smith engaged in conduct that violated his employment contract and had a negative impact on the university.
Now the student newspaper, The post officesaid Smith engaged in “extramarital affairs.”
“The notice alleges that Smith engaged in extramarital affairs, including one with an undergraduate student, and participated in alcohol-related conduct that violated university policy and impaired his ability to perform his duties as head coach. The letter also states that Smith had previously been reprimanded for drinking alcohol in his office,” the newspaper reported Thursday.
The newspaper adds that: “The university also alleged that Smith had a relationship at the Ohio University Inn, where he was likely to be seen by members of the university community. OU said this conduct had an adverse effect on the university and its athletics program.”
Smith has denied all allegations and his lawyer has vowed to fight the firing with every legal tool at his disposal.
“We vigorously contest Ohio University’s stated reasons for the just cause termination of Coach Brian Smith,” attorney Rex Elliott said. “He is shocked and dismayed by this turn of events, and we plan to fight this wrongful termination to protect his reputation,” ESPN reported.
“Coach Smith is an ethical man who has done an exemplary job for the University. He only wants the best for the players, coaches and the entire Bobcat community,” the attorney said.
Yet the attorney also claims the sexual relationship with a student was “consensual” and that he ended the relationship once he discovered she was a student in Ohio. He also insists the school does not have a policy prohibiting staff members from dating students.
Elliot further denies that alcohol ever interfered with Smith’s performance on the job and stated that he was never drunk on the job.
Smith became head coach last year after former Ohio coach Tim Albin left for Charlotte. During his tenure, he went 9-4 over parts of two seasons with the Bobcats.
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