Woman at center of Ohio State domestic abuse scandal hasn’t been contacted by school, her attorney says

The woman at the center of a domestic violence controversy at Ohio State said the university has never contacted her regarding a history of allegations she has made against her ex-husband, a former assistant football coach for the Buckeyes.

Still, Courtney Smith is “cautiously optimistic” about the school’s investigation into the matter, according to a statement issued by her attorney on Tuesday.

In a fast-moving series of events, Ohio State fired receivers coach Zach Smith last month after news reports detailed the alleged incidents between him and Courtney dating back to 2009.

Last week, the school placed coach Urban Meyer on paid leave while trying to determine if he followed protocol in keeping Smith on staff until this summer.

“We believe the university must prioritize the safety and well-being of others above all else,” Courtney Smith’s lawyer, Julia Leveridge, said. “While the Ohio State University has never contacted Ms. Smith to discuss these allegations, she will fully cooperate with the university’s current investigation.”

The situation dates back to 2009, when Meyer was coaching at Florida and employed Smith as an intern. Meyer said he became aware of an incident between the Smiths and spoke to the couple, but took no further action.

“It came back to me that what was reported wasn’t actually what happened,” he said.

Another allegation arose in 2015, after Zach Smith had followed Meyer to Ohio State. Meyer initially claimed he did not learn of the second accusation until years later, but the assistant told a different story, claiming he discussed the matter with his boss and athletic department officials at the time.

No charges were filed but the story resurfaced in July when an Ohio judge issued a protective order against Zach Smith. At that point, Meyer denied prior knowledge when asked by reporters at the Big Ten Conference media days.

“I don’t know what he was thinking. Not really,” Smith told ESPN in regard to Meyer’s denial. “He knows everything that has gone on in my marriage that he needed to know.”

Meyer subsequently issued a public apology and was placed on leave, even as his players arrived at summer training camp. The university created a working group that, in conjunction with an outside law firm, is expected to release its findings within the next two weeks.

“I have always followed proper reporting protocols and procedures when I have learned of an incident involving a student-athlete, coach or member of our staff by elevating the issues to the proper channels,” Meyer stated. “And I did so regarding the Zach Smith incident in 2015.”

On Monday, a reported 200 fans attended an on-campus rally to show support for the coach, carrying signs that read, “Me Too! I support Urban Meyer.”

Zach Smith has denied committing domestic violence but has characterized his former marriage as “volatile” and “toxic.”

Courtney Smith’s attorney said Tuesday that her client has made “concerted efforts to press charges of domestic abuse against her ex-husband,” has never been charged with a criminal offense and has not received compensation for any interviews she has given.

“The cycle of abuse is complicated,” Leveridge stated. “Breaking free from years of violence takes tremendous courage and support. Blaming the victim only contributes to the stigma that is already present in our society today.”

david.wharton@latimes.com

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