Yesterday, Ohio State announced that head football coach, Urban Meyer, is being suspended for the first three games of the season. Apparently, Meyer and others within the program mishandled domestic assault accusations made against the former assistant coach, Zach Smith.
Smith remained employed (until this summer), despite his unacceptable behavior. When details about the allegations became public, Ohio State and Meyer were put under investigation to determine what they knew, when they knew it, and whether or not they properly handled their knowledge of the misconduct.
There are so many layers, opinions, and details surrounding this story, but this portion of Urban Meyer’s press conference particularly stands out:
“I fell short of pursuing full information because at each juncture I gave Zach Smith the benefit of the doubt. As I reflect, my loyalty to his grandfather, Earle Bruce, who was my mentor and like a father to me, likely impacted how I treated Zach Smith over the years.
"I did not know everything about Zach Smith, what Zach Smith was doing, and I am pleased the report made that clear. However, I should have demanded more from him and recognized red flags.
“I needed to show more care and concern for the entirety of the situation and the people involved. I should have been more demanding of him in the same way I am with my players, other staff members and myself. I should have done more, and I am sorry for that.”
Although there is plenty of blame to go around and disappointing behavior throughout this story, I'd like to unpack some important lessons that we can take away from it.
Within our relationships, and as we interact with people, do we pay attention to the “red flags” we observe in others? Or do we make excuses and simply justify their behavior...or mistakenly "give them the benefit of the doubt?"
Instead of dealing with the issues we see (by calling them out and getting involved), do we just look the other way? Do we overlook their transgressions and avoid pursuing the truth because we convince ourselves that they can do no wrong in our eyes?
I think most of us can think of times in our lives when we've let people get away with hurting themselves or others. Maybe there's a situation going on right now where we're standing back and watching and not willingly leaning in to confront those that we claim to care about.
When we handle these types of situations, we must do so with grace, humility, forgiveness, wisdom, and love, but we must also be serious about speaking up and pointing out what’s unacceptable. We need to be a light in the darkness and an agent for change.
This is especially true when it comes to others in the family of faith. Paul explains in Galatians 6:1-2 (NLT), "Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.”
Luke 17:3 (AMP) implores us to “Pay attention and always be on guard ! If your brother sins and disregards God’s precepts, solemnly warn him; and if he repents and changes, forgive him.”
Today, let’s embrace the truth, seek justice, pursue integrity, and hold each other accountable. Most importantly, let’s realize we can’t help someone if we just look the other way.
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I ask that You lead and guide me as I look to point others toward You. Help me not to just sit back, but to confront people who are hurting others. Please fill me with grace and love as I look to help people experience repentance through Jesus. In His name, I pray, Amen.
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