Game time set for Urban Meyer's return to the sideline

Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer, right, and then-assistant coach Zach Smith, left, gesture from the sidelines during a 2016 game. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File)

Urban Meyer's three-game suspension will come to an end later this month.

The Ohio State coach will return to the sidelines when the No. 4 Buckeyes host Tulane on Sept. 22 for a 3:30 p.m. in the fourth game of the season.

The university suspended Meyer after an investigation centered on what Meyer knew and did about allegations of abuse against former wide receivers coach Zach Smith, who was fired July 23 after his ex-wife sought a protective order.

"Permitting such misconduct to continue is not consistent with the values of the University and reflects poorly on coach Meyer, athletic director Smith, and the University," an August statement read. "Their handling of this matter did not exhibit the kind of leadership and high standards that we expect of our athletic director, head coach, assistant coaches and all on the football staff.

"Urban Meyer is suspended through Sept. 2 2018, and for the games on September 1, 8, and 15 without pay. Gene Smith is suspended without pay from August 31-September 16."

The Big Ten Network will televise the game.

Ohio State faces No. 15 TCU in Arlington, Texas this Saturday.

Mark Heim is a sports reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim.

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