Report: "Likely recommendation" of suspension for Urban Meyer

Investigators from New York's Debevoise & Plimpton LLP law firm have completed their probe into Urban Meyer's knowledge of the allegations against former Buckeyes wide receivers coach Zach Smith, and we're closing in on a final decision.

The investigators have turned over their findings to the 6-person working group overseeing the investigation, who will spend today and Tuesday compiling those findings for a report to present to Ohio State president Michael V. Drake and the school's Board of Trustees.

Ohio State announced Monday that its board will meet Wednesday morning to discuss the report.

Ohio State has not announced a firm date for a final decision on Meyer's fate, but Thursday or Friday feels like an appropriate guess. Pete Thamel reported Monday that the investigation is far more than just a public relations stunt, and Lucas Sullivan of the Columbus Dispatch offered this bit of intelligence:

Two sources connected to the investigation said the likely recommendation is a suspension for Meyer. Drake and the board could also opt for a “time served” punishment since Meyer has been removed from football activities for more than two weeks.

For what it's worth, betting markets have overwhelmingly favored Meyer returning to the Ohio Stadium sideline after serving a suspension, with the over/under set at 4.5 games.

Ranked No. 5 in the preseason AP poll, Ohio State will be heavily favored to win its first two games regardless of its head coach, with the first toss-up coming against No. 16 TCU on Sept. 15. The Buckeyes visit No. 10 Penn State on Sept. 29, their fifth game of the year.

While the investigators and working group can make a recommendation, ultimately Meyer's fate will be decided by Drake, in consultation with the Board of Trustees.

As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.