Ohio University fired coach Brian Smith for cause Wednesday, saying Smith violated his contract by "engaging in serious professional misconduct and participating in activities that reflect unfavorably on the University."
The school did not provide specifics on Smith's misconduct. Smith, who went 8-4 in his first regular season as Bobcats coach, had been placed on leave Dec. 1 for undisclosed reasons.
"We vigorously dispute Ohio University's grounds for the termination for cause of Coach Brian Smith," Smith's attorney, Rex Elliott, said in a statement. "He is shocked and dismayed by this turn of events, and we plan to fight this wrongful termination to protect his good name.