As is ofttimes the case when it comes to off-field situations, the picture becomes a little more clear in the ensuing days.
Monday, multiple media outlets reported that Ohio State running back Rod Smith had been dismissed from the football program. The senior’s dismissal was connected to the catch-all “violation of unspecified team rules” designation.
Citing an unnamed source, however, the Columbus Dispatch reported overnight that Smith was dismissed after failing a drug test.
According to OSU’s student-athlete handbook, a “third positive drug test and/or substance abuse occurrence” results in a suspension “from all Department of Athletics functions for a minimum of one calendar year.” The same guidelines call for the loss of “all remaining eligibility and loss of athletic grant-in-aid” following a second positive drug test for performance-enhancing drugs or anabolic steroids.
Earlier this year, head coach Urban Meyer acknowledged that he wasn’t certain Smith would remain with the team because of what he called academic-related issues. Two weeks ago, the player himself alluded to some non-specified incidents that he said served as a wake-up call.
“My turnaround, basically I made up my mind that enough was enough,” Smith told ESPN.com. “This is my last year to go out and help this team and try to get film and try to get myself ready for the next level.
“We all just sat down, and after the incidents happened, I just made sure I was going to work my butt off to contribute to this team and not let the running backs down. They never turned their back on me. When I was doing all that stuff, they never shied away from me.”
Smith’s 101 yards this season are currently fifth on the team, while his four rushing touchdowns are third. Her also had a touchdown reception.