We now know why Ohio University fired Bobcats coach Brian Smith after the school newspaper reported that officials determined he had an inappropriate relationship with a student and was abusing alcohol.
Smith, who had already been suspended for two weeks, was fired Wednesday after the school completed an investigation into his conduct. However, after his release, neither the school authorities nor the coach and his representatives disclosed what prompted the school to make this decision.
Officials said only that Smith's conduct violated his employment contract and reflected unfavorably on the university.
Now the student newspaper Messageis speaking that Smith was involved in “extramarital affairs.”
“The notice alleges that Smith engaged in extramarital affairs, including with an undergraduate student, and engaged in alcohol-related activities that violated university policy and limited his ability to serve as head coach. The letter also states that Smith had previously been reprimanded for drinking alcohol in his office,” the newspaper reported Thursday.
The document added that “the university also alleged that Smith had a relationship, in part, at an Ohio University hotel where he was likely seen by members of the university community. OU said such conduct reflected unfavorably on the university and its athletics program.”
Smith denied all charges, and his lawyer vowed to fight the dismissal with all legal means at his disposal.
“We vigorously dispute Ohio University's grounds for firing Coach Brian Smith,” attorney Rex Elliott said in a statement. “He is shocked and dismayed by this turn of events and we plan to fight this wrongful termination to protect his good name.” ESPN reported.
“Coach Smith is an ethical man who has done an exemplary job for the university. He wants nothing but the best for the players, coaches and the entire Bobcat community,” the attorney said.
However, the lawyer also claims that the sexual relationship with the student was “consensual” and that he ended the relationship as soon as he learned that she was studying in Ohio. He also insists that the school has no policy prohibiting staff from dating students.
Elliott also denies that alcohol ever impaired Smith's performance at work and says he was never drunk on the job.
Smith became head coach last year after former Ohio State coach Tim Albin left for Charlotte. During his tenure, he spent parts of two seasons with the Bobcats, who went 9-4.
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