Ohio University has terminated the contract of its head football coach, Brian Smith, following allegations of serious professional misconduct, including an extramarital affair with a student.
Allegations and Immediate Dismissal
The 45-year-old coach was dismissed by the institution on Wednesday after being placed on administrative leave earlier in December for undisclosed reasons. The university cited 'serious professional misconduct' as the grounds for his termination. While the specific reasons were initially withheld, new details have emerged linking his dismissal to accusations of an inappropriate relationship with an undergraduate student.
University President's Damning Letter
In a letter dated December 12, obtained by Front Office Sports, OU President Lori Stewart Gonzalez stated that Coach Smith had admitted to engaging in extramarital affairs, one of which was with an unnamed student. The letter further alleged that parts of this relationship were conducted on university property, specifically at the Ohio University Inn.
President Gonzalez's correspondence also accused Smith of repeatedly consuming alcohol in his office, a violation of university policy, and of appearing at a public event where he 'smelled strongly of alcohol and were intoxicated in your demeanour.'
Coach's Legal Team Fights Back
Smith's attorney, Rex Elliott, has vigorously contested the allegations. In a responding letter, he flatly denied the claim of an extramarital affair, writing, 'Coach Smith didn't participate in an extramarital affair and you know it.'
Elliott contends that the relationship, which he says lasted four months, began only after Smith and his wife had separated and divorce proceedings were underway. He also claims Smith was unaware the woman was a student when they first met at a venue in Athens. The lawyer further denied that Smith was ever inebriated at a university event.
Fallout and Ongoing Dispute
The dismissal has sent shockwaves through the university's athletic programme, leaving the future of the football team in uncertainty. The stark contradiction between the university's allegations and the coach's legal defence points towards a potentially protracted legal dispute. The situation remains developing, with the university yet to announce a permanent replacement for the head coach position.
