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Meyer apologized, saying that he did not recognize the red flags in relation to Zach Smith.

\"I followed my heart and not my head,\" Meyer said, adding that he had once been loyal to Zach Smith's grandfather, which may have affected his decision-making. \"At each juncture, I gave Zach Smith the benefit of the doubt.\"

\"PHOTO:
Charlie Neibergall/AP, FILE
PHOTO: Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer walks on the field before an NCAA college football game against Iowa, in Iowa City, Iowa, Nov. 4, 2017.
>

Meyer described the suspensions as \"tough\" but said he \"fully accepts them.\"

Urban Meyer: “I want to apologize to Buckeye Nation. I followed my heart, not my head.” https://t.co/RB18TKlbKg pic.twitter.com/wHyjQMXGwd

— ABC News (@ABC) August 23, 2018

\"I take this responsibility very seriously, and I will do better.\"

Gene Smith was suspended because he \"did not exhibit the leadership\" expected of him in his role as athletic director, Drake said.

The athletic director \"fully supports the findings of the report,\" he said.

\"I understand that I could have done a better job,\" he said.

Zach Smith was fired by Ohio State in July after he was charged with misdemeanor criminal trespass during a dispute with his ex-wife. The former assistant coach has pleaded not guilty to that charge.

Offensive coordinator Ryan Day will serve as interim head coach during Meyer's suspension.

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