Scarlet Sunrise: Examining the fallout from Ohio State's Urban Meyer investigation

Good morning, Ohio State fans, and welcome to the Scarlet Sunrise! Football will always be our focus, but every day we’ll cover news, notes and analysis from across Buckeyes sports. Join us each morning to get caught up on everything you missed in the world of Ohio State football, recruiting, basketball and more. 

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Urban Meyer risks it all

Even considering the connections to Earle Bruce, Lettermen Row senior writer Austin Ward notes just how shocking it is that Urban Meyer protected Zach Smith for so long:

It’s almost inconceivable that one of the all-time coaching greats in college football history would put his legacy on the line for a mediocre assistant who was so easily replaceable and making it so easy to do it.

Loyalty is one thing, and Meyer obviously has no shortage of it when it comes to his old mentor at Ohio State, Earle Bruce. But a blind side that blocks out strip-club visits on recruiting trips, prescription drug problems and all sorts of inappropriate sexual behavior is too big to comprehend.

Check out the full column here.

Tom Herman joined Zach Smith at strip club

Ohio State’s independent investigation revealed a potential NCAA violation for a recruiting visit that included a strip club visit for former assistant Zach Smith and a high school coach.

Multiple sources with direct knowledge have confirmed to Lettermen Row that the unnamed Ohio State assistant with Smith was the program’s former offensive coordinator and current Texas coach Tom Herman.

It’s unclear what exactly might have triggered a possible violation of NCAA rules by the former staffers with the Buckeyes or how it could potentially impact Herman. An Ohio State school spokesman was unaware of any details beyond what was included in the six-person, independent panel looking into Smith’s past as part of the investigation into Urban Meyer.

Is Urban Meyer allowed to recruit?

So with Urban Meyer suspended instead of on administrative leave, what happens with his ability to recruit? Lettermen Row recruiting czar Birm tackled that question in the Thursday recruiting question of the day, and it turns out there’s some uncertainty involved in that question.

Water Rouse still talking to Buckeyes

Birm’s Thursday edition of Dotting The ‘Eyes was a good one. Here’s some of the insight he shared about Ohio State’s recruitment of Walter Rouse:

Ohio State coaches that are currently working have been doing extra to try to maintain the momentum Meyer has built on the trail. One of Ohio State’s key targets in 2019 is Washington (D.C.) offensive tackle Walter Rouse. The country’s 47th-ranked tackle has been talking to the Buckeyes very frequently.

“I have talked with them on the phone and over text,” Rouse said. “They are always wishing me a great day and practice, checking up on me and asking about visits.”

The full Dotting The ‘Eyes from Thursday can be found here.

Counting down

• Ohio State season opener: 8 days
• The Game: 92 days

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