The Ohio State University, and Urban Meyer, are raging mad about a tabloid-like article today accusing Meyer, and the university, of covering up racism.
The lengthy article, authored by Brett McMurphy of WatchStadium, detailed an alleged incident where former Ohio State wide receivers coach Zach Smith called Florida receiver Trevon Grimes, a former Buckeye, the n-word during practice last September.
McMurphy details Grimes’s transfer to Florida, one that his father, LeBron Grimes, claims was prompted by Smith calling the then-freshman wide receiver a “b—- ass n—–” before an altercation between the two at practice.
But McMurphy failed to find anyone else that was actually at practice that could corroborate the accusation.
In fact:
- Trevon Grimes would not talk to, or confirm, to McMurphy that the incident ever happened.
- Zach Smith has adamantly denies it ever happened.
- Teammates who were there did not talk to McMurphy, although they adamantly deny it ever happened.
Ohio State president Michael Drake issued a statement in response to McMurphy’s story, saying the school “unequivocally and vehemently disputes the unfounded allegations.”
A few Ohio State wide receivers have also responded today to McMurphy’s allegations, fiercely denying the accuracy of the report.
Johnnie Dixon III, Parris Campbell and Austin Mack all tweeted in defense of Smith and Meyer.
I witness the whole altercation and this didn’t happen.. You think a group of African American young men will sit there and let something like this happen? Say what you want but this isn’t true at all. https://t.co/FrteEDIa9H
— Johnnie L. Dixon III (@YoungKing_JD5) November 13, 2018
There’s no way that anyone would believe this. NO WAY. This lie is just out of hand. I was present during the entire altercation and what’s said in this article NEVER HAPPENED. I can guarantee it. Crazy how social media gives people platforms just to spread nonsense. https://t.co/FRBLucb9WY
— Parris Campbell (@PCampbell21) November 13, 2018
Wow… so you really think a room filled with Black athletes would still be apart of this University if any racial slurs were used to degrade another Black man!! Every one of us Wide Outs we’re right there and saw the whole thing. @Brett_McMurphy you continue to lie everyday! https://t.co/kOFwssniAX
— Austin Mack (@Austin_Mack10) November 13, 2018
McMurphy has made a name for himself this year, becoming the arch nemesis of Ohio State after he broke a story about domestic abuse allegations involving Zach Smith and his wife.
Smith was fired from Ohio State this summer, and Meyer was suspended for three games at the start of the season.
McMurphy’s new line of attack against Ohio State, however, may set himself up for legal trouble, with Meyer saying the university is “certainly looking into legal action” against McMurphy.
Urban Meyer says Ohio State is “certainly looking into legal action” against Brett McMurphy regarding this morning’s report.
— Dan Hope (@Dan_Hope) November 13, 2018
Bottom Line:
McMurphy’s entire piece on Ohio State relies on the credibility of LeBron Grimes.
A University of Florida spokesperson informed McMurphy that his son Trevon warned the reporter, ‘Don’t believe anything he tells you.”
My guess is, at the very least, an apology from McMurphy to Ohio State could soon be coming.