Urban Meyer should have an unceremonious return to the sidelines

Urban Meyer has served his suspension, and this coming Saturday when he returns to the Ohio State sideline the return should not be romanticized.

This isn’t so much directed at Ohio State head football coach Urban Meyer, or at athletic director Gene Smith, and certainly not at the Ohio State football team who has done nothing to deserve being bashed by anyone.

This isn’t directed at Ohio State fans, who I’m sure will give Urban Meyer a rousing ovation when he returns to the game-day sideline against Tulane on September 22, as many fans have foolishly shown their unwavering support of Meyer. I know from personal experience that trying to convince them that there was wrongdoing worthy of more than a slap on the wrist is futile.

No. This is directed at the media. I’m speaking now to you, Big Ten Network, ESPN, FS1 and anyone else involved in broadcasting this Ohio State-Tulane game or showing a rundown of highlights.

Ohio State Buckeyes

Urban Meyer’s return to the sideline should not be celebrated. It should not be treated as a heroic return. He is not a conqueror or a shining example of overcoming the odds. He is a football coach who used poor judgment (if any judgment at all) and who has paid the price and accepted his punishment…such as it was.

The much-anticipated return of Urban Meyer should be treated as unceremoniously as possible. He should be viewed as a contrite and humbled man who is back to coach a football team who performed more than admirably during his (kind of) absence.

Please, media members, do not focus on the fans’ glowing support of Urban Meyer.

Do not report ad nauseam how he has renewed his commitment to the “respect of women”.

Do not make more of this than a coach returning to resume his duties over a 3-0 team.

Every moment spent celebrating Urban Meyer’s return is another slap in the face to Courtney Smith and every other woman who has needlessly suffered under the yoke of domestic abuse. Every minute of camera and airtime spent dwindling on how the fans have supported and welcomed Meyer back is a blow to the cause of ending domestic violence.

He’s back, and his team is doing well. Let’s just leave it at that and not give undeserved pomp and fanfare to a man who has had to be strongarmed into issuing an apology to the true victim in this case.

I’d be willing to bet Meyer won’t have to be convinced to accept the admiration and applause from the fans at Ohio Stadium. Let’s let it remain between them.