A former Ohio University football coach, Brian Smith, became embroiled in a legal battle after a student filed a sexual misconduct complaint that preceded his dismissal in December.
The complaint was lodged shortly before the university issued a notice on December 12, informing Smith that President Lori Stewart Gonzalez intended to terminate his employment. He was placed on administrative leave on December 1 and was fired on December 17.
University officials cited two primary reasons for the dismissal: an extramarital affair with an undergraduate student and Smith’s consumption of alcohol in his office after games. The affair was confirmed by Smith’s attorney, who also noted that the student later withdrew the complaint at the request of Smith’s lawyer.
Legal Arguments and Policy Gaps
In a lawsuit filed shortly after his firing, Smith argues that the university failed to conduct a proper investigation and that no clear policy prohibited relationships between staff and students when the staff member was not a direct supervisor. He contends that the institution’s existing rule only applies to supervisors, leaving a gap that allowed the termination to proceed.
The lawsuit also highlights a separate alcohol‑related reprimand issued on November 25, when Smith received a written warning for drinking bourbon in his office. He has said that occasional drinks with assistant coaches were a modest tradition, and that the bourbon he received was a gift from Randy Gonzalez, the husband of the university president.
University spokespeople, including Rex Elliot, have defended the decision, stating that the combination of the affair, the alcohol use, and the lack of a supervisory relationship created a situation that warranted termination. They maintain that the policy was applied appropriately, even as Smith challenges the reasoning behind it.