ESPN REPORT: Details on Ryan Day suspension.
Columbus, Ohio As part of their investigation into what Meyer knew about accusations of domestic abuse made against another assistant coach, the coordinator standing in for Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer during his three-game suspension revealed on Monday that he had not been interviewed by investigators.
At a press conference, co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Ryan Day remained silent regarding the probe involving his employer and his sacked colleague Zach Smith, who had tutored receivers.
Day refused to speak on the scandal, stating that he was doing so “out of respect for everybody involved.”
Since Meyer was placed on leave two days prior to the start of training camp on August 3, Day has led the team.
According to an Ohio State report issued by the investigators, they spoke with at least forty witnesses, including important members of the football staff. Messages on Monday asking Ohio State to comment on Day’s exclusion from the interview and the coaches that were interviewed were not immediately answered.
During his first preseason media availability, Day stated, “Regarding the details of the investigation, I know everyone in here has a job to do, but I was not part of the investigation, I was not interviewed, so I have nothing to add.”
After a two-week investigation, which revealed that Meyer and athletic director Gene Smith had long tolerated inappropriate behavior, including accusations of domestic violence against Zach Smith, the grandson of former Ohio State coach and Meyer mentor Earle Bruce, Meyer was suspended on Wednesday.
“I understand there’s been a lot of pain and stress for a lot of people surrounding the last few weeks,” Day stated. “Our program has been working hard, our coaches and team have been working hard during that time to get ready for the season.”
Day said he hadn’t noticed any players showing signs of weariness from the preceding three weeks of uncertainty about Meyer’s future with the school until Thursday morning, when their behavior suggested they had remained up late watching the televised news conference announcing the suspension.
Without Meyer on the sidelines, Day is attempting to get the Buckeyes ready for their first home opening in six years. The fact that they probably won’t be doing a lot of heavy lifting helps. Oregon State, a 1-11 squad from the previous season, is a 38-point underdog when the Buckeyes play them.
Day stated that the defensive coordinator Greg Schiano and co-offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson, who have both served as head coaches before, have provided him with invaluable support.
“It’s been quite hectic,” Day remarked. However, I didn’t set out to unseat Coach Meyer with this. I had no desire to do it. I believe we’ve succeeded in our goal of empowering the leaders and coaches and keeping things going.”
Day stated that he will work with Wilson to call the offensive plays while coaching from the sidelines. He claimed that Meyer is still leading the team in a virtual manner.
Schiano declared, “Ryan is definitely qualified to do this.” “I’ve been doing this for a long time, along with Kevin Wilson and the rest of the staff. Having said that, we must do more. We currently lack a leader and are lacking one.”
Notes on the game
Day stated that after Billy Price, an All-American the previous season, left, former guard Michael Jordan will start at center. Brady Taylor, who appeared to be the front-runner, will also participate. Tuf Borland is still recovering from a leg injury, but Schiano indicated Borland might play. Baron Browning will start at middle linebacker in his place. The starting outside linebackers will be Malik Harrison and Pete Werner. … Day stated that Tate Martell, the backup quarterback, is probably going to play against the Beavers even though Dwayne Haskins Jr. is a reliable starter. Chris Chugunov, a former West Virginia quarterback, has joined the team as a graduate transfer.
