Ohio: Smith fired over affair with student, drinking

"In the intent to terminate letter, obtained by multiple media outlets through public records requests, university president Lori Stewart Gonzalez wrote that Smith's "extramarital affairs," including one with an undergraduate student, brought on "disrepute, scandal and ridicule," which violated his employment agreement with the school. Gonzalez also wrote that Smith told athletic director Slade Larscheid that he "carried on an affair" while at the Ohio University Inn, where he could be observed by athletes' families, donors and others connected to the university."

"Rex Elliott, Smith's attorney, responded in a letter to Gonzalez, obtained by media outlets through records requests, and stated that Smith "didn't participate in an extramarital affair and you know it." Elliott added that Smith and his wife separated earlier this year, were going through a divorce and were living apart during the fall. Smith had been living at the OU Inn while looking for permanent housing"

Ohio University placed football coach Brian Smith on leave Dec. 1 and then fired him for "serious professional misconduct and participating in activities that reflect unfavorably on the University." The university's intent-to-terminate letter cited romantic relationships, including one with an undergraduate student, and an allegation of public intoxication, saying the conduct brought "disrepute, scandal and ridicule" and violated his employment agreement. Gonzalez wrote that Smith told the athletic director he "carried on an affair" at the Ohio University Inn where he could be observed by families and donors. Smith remained under contract through 2029 and was owed about $2.5 million. His attorney denied an extramarital affair, said Smith and his wife had separated and were divorcing, and said Smith had been living at the OU Inn while seeking permanent housing. The attorney wrote that the university had no policy prohibiting employees from dating students.

Read at ESPN.com