Zach Smith has been relatively quiet, particularly on social media, following reports of alleged domestic violence abuse, his termination, and the subsequent Ohio State investigation into Smith's situation and Urban Meyer's knowledge and handling of it.
Smith broke that silence on Wednesday afternoon with a social media tirade, lashing out at Brett McMurphy, Paul Finebaum and "others at ESPN" for their coverage of the situation, as well as Ohio State, alleging it "botched the investigation."
Smith's first post included criticism to McMurphy followed by a link to a lengthy Facebook post written by his mother, Lynn Bruce.
Hey @Brett_McMurphy - Ready to start being a real journalist? Ya know... vetting a story?
— Zach Smith (@CoachZachSmith) August 29, 2018
Oh... no... you dont know what I mean. Sorry!https://t.co/1skw7lSDBl
Smith then went on to send several more Tweets criticizing various media members as well as Ohio State for its investigation.
Silence = over. I tried. But I cant watch like @Brett_McMurphy @finebaum & others at @espn continue 2 run their mouths-not only w/o knowledge but w/ complete disregard 4 my children. Their mother had plenty of disregard 4 them in this. Time 4 u all 2 face the damage ur causing
— Zach Smith (@CoachZachSmith) August 29, 2018
Hey @Brett_McMurphy @finebaum & EVERYONE @espn - Look at these faces. You heartless and moral-less clowns. Every LIE or dramatic version of the truth you report, you hurt THESE precious children! Just like their mom has and continues to. Do you have families? Kids? pic.twitter.com/9XyIhKrGzx
— Zach Smith (@CoachZachSmith) August 29, 2018
Not a shield. A reminder to scum like you that your reckless & complete disregard for human beings hurts innocent children. Sorry you viewed it as a shield-but that further proves your ignorance given to you by a laminated piece of cardboard hung around your neck by a lanyard. https://t.co/OyDR8PX42z
— Zach Smith (@CoachZachSmith) August 29, 2018
Hey @Brett_McMurphy - quick few questions... because youre an OUTSTANDING journalist
— Zach Smith (@CoachZachSmith) August 29, 2018
1. Howd you get that interview with @CoachTomHerman as your first interview at @WatchStadium?
2. How come you didnt ask him about the alleged strip club incident that you reported about?
Furthermore... @Brett_McMurphy
— Zach Smith (@CoachZachSmith) August 29, 2018
3. Did you ask him about the ensuing few days?
4. Have you vetted any credibility in ANY of your reports?
I am waiting for one thing that is accurate beyond a name change or photoshop session. I will see you in court you clown.
Lets talk FACTS since so many people (mainly opposing fanbases fans) want to talk.
— Zach Smith (@CoachZachSmith) August 29, 2018
1. My kids are suffering because of all of this (most important)
2. I never beat my wife
3. OSU botched the investigation and worse off the punishment
4. They forced @OSUCoachMeyer into his statement, I hope at least... because he knows whats real and would have never apologized.
— Zach Smith (@CoachZachSmith) August 29, 2018
5. President Drake is either the cause of the joke of an investigation or punishment or he allowed it.
Lets talk about who was LEGITIMATELY hurt in this:
— Zach Smith (@CoachZachSmith) August 29, 2018
1. My children
2. The Buckeye Players
3. Ohio State Staff
4. The fans
Talk about victim shaming! But nobody wants the TRUTH when it comes to stuff like this-Hypocritical people-keep tweeting-youre hurting innocent people.
Oh... I didnt forget. The truth will come out. Lol. She is NO victim. https://t.co/amAOdoQPXP
— Zach Smith (@CoachZachSmith) August 29, 2018
And thats the point of my tweets. People like you need to just log off and not hit send with hurtful tweets that you have no knowledge about being based on fact or vengeance. Take youre own advice, Chris. https://t.co/zZfjtzZK3k
— Zach Smith (@CoachZachSmith) August 29, 2018
It is very hard to be silent when falsehoods & half-truths are said about you and there is no way to defend yourself. Ive made mistakes in my life but being a domestic abuser is not one of them! Ill answer every question in court and under oath when the time comes & cant WAIT!
— Zach Smith (@CoachZachSmith) August 29, 2018
It already got ugly. Ask my kids. Straight scumbag. https://t.co/81XwCIelth
— Zach Smith (@CoachZachSmith) August 29, 2018
Oh am I? Brenda... Ive been a huge supporter of everything youve ever done. And so sympathetic to what happened to you. But if you cant see that things arent always black and white, or that there is NEVER a false accusation... youre really working on your own agenda. https://t.co/yaTviV603J
— Zach Smith (@CoachZachSmith) August 29, 2018
Lol wow... you just proved youre a one sided clown. THEY GOT USED WHEN THEY HAD TO GO TO SCHOOL AND DEAL WITH FALSE ACCUSATIONS AGAIBST THEIR DAD!!!!! Please stop tweeting at me. I used to be a huge fan and supporter... but you just proved youre not a truth seeker... https://t.co/n7FNz0i99t
— Zach Smith (@CoachZachSmith) August 29, 2018
I agree. Sad moment from such a powerful and courageous woman. Everyone should be able to look at two sides and judge!! I, like a lot of people, looked at her two sides.... and OBVIOLOSLY sided with her. She, unfortunately did not do the same. https://t.co/T1YV2Ki0DG
— Zach Smith (@CoachZachSmith) August 29, 2018
The Ohio State football team begins its season on Saturday against Oregon State at noon.
