We've all seen Gene Smith's lawyer's response -- which is an attempt to return the narrative to the original purpose of DV investigation -- with a reminder that there is NO cover-up. Also, he is the first to publicly question Courtney Smith's veracity since Jeff Snook's article.
Then we see the BoT's first designated spokeswoman saying things like this (from today's Skully):
Trustee Cheryl Krueger spoke to ABC 6 to give some insights into Wednesday's 12-hour deliberations.
Krueger revealed that Urban Meyer was never involved with the deliberations, there was no standoff between president Michael Drake and the rest of the board, nobody on the board ever considered terminating Meyer, and that Meyer never lied.
She's also unconcerned with national backlash regarding the decision.
From ABC6OnYourSide.com:
Krueger stands behind what the three game suspension of Coach Meyer and says the national media doesn't have all the facts that the board was privy to.
"It's easy for them to take potshots at a top ranked program, " Krueger said.
"They didn't get to discuss the report with the people who issued the report. And they didn't get to talk to the witnesses. We had more information than they had. And i think if they sat in the room, they probably would have reached the same conclusion, but that doesn't sell newspapers or evoke ratings, "
From the sound of things, the board was comfortable and confident in their decision, even if it did take a 12-hour meeting to get there.
I happen to believe both are sanctioned by OSU to address the situation. W/regards to Gene's lawyer -- OSU can deny they "allowed" this. He's not a University official but I believe he represents the University's beliefs. It's on FB (which is where McButtMunch started this whole thing). NOTE: If he did this of his own accord, he may jeopardize his employment.
It's wise to have a female member of the BoT to speak publicly. Notice the main points established:
1) Urban wasn't in the room (OSU is bigger than UFM)
2) No standoff btwn. Drake & BoT (unified front -- we are THE OSU and we're bosses.)
3) NOBODY on the BoT considered termination (protects Wexner/Drake -- Dave Biddle who?)
4) Meyer NEVER lied (suck it McButtMunch)
5) National media backlash doesn't matter/they don't have all the info/pot-shots/national program easy target/sell papers get ratings (We see what you're trying to do and we are gonna out you. We're right, you're wrong. Drops mic, OSU out).
6) If "they" were in the room they'd reach the same conclusion. (Punishment fits the crime as we see it...based on facts that only we truly know).
Eventually, the media narrative will shift. But OSU has to be very cautious to not victim shame CS. They'll allow more questions of her credibility to leak soon -- and likely especially after the Sept. 14th trial. They won't directly attack her, nor will Meyer or Gene. ALSO -- I don't see them donating $$$ to DV awareness precisely because they don't believe or want to reinforce DV narrative. Consider these OSU's talking points going forward. SOME in the national media will start to pick up on these, likely after the weekend.
