Coach's Career Ends After Controversial Relationship and Alcohol Claims

Brian Smith, former head football coach at Ohio University, found himself in hot water. The school decided to let him go for two main reasons. First, he was involved with an undergraduate student. Second, there were claims that he showed up to a public event smelling like alcohol. This all led to his job being terminated. The school sent Smith a letter on December 12th. It listed five reasons for his firing. One of them was his relationship with a student. Smith's lawyer, Rex Elliott, responded. He said Smith and his wife were already separated. He also claimed that Smith didn't hide the relationship. Elliott argued that the university had no policy against employees dating students, especially if they weren't part of the athletic department. Smith was living at the Ohio University Inn at the time. He met a player's parents while with a 41-year-old woman. This was after he had already ended a four-month, consensual relationship with a student. The school said this relationship brought "disrepute, scandal, and ridicule" to the university and the athletic department.The university also mentioned a report that Smith smelled like alcohol and acted intoxicated during a public appearance. They did not provide details about the event. Smith had been reprimanded before for drinking and storing alcohol in his office. He claimed he only had a single drink of bourbon with assistant coaches after work hours. Elliott argued that Smith was never drunk at an Ohio event. He also said the previous reprimand was not a valid reason for termination. He claimed the bourbon in Smith's office was provided by the husband of the school's president. Elliott warned that the university's decision could harm Smith's career and that Smith was ready to fight the termination. The day after Elliott's response, Smith was fired. Elliott stated that they strongly disagreed with the university's reasons for termination. He described Smith as an ethical man who had done a great job for the university. Smith wanted what was best for the players, coaches, and the entire Bobcat community. The university stood by its decision. They said it was the best choice for the future of the football program. They had no further comments beyond the public records that had been provided.