Ohio State: No evidence Zach Smith used racial slur

Ohio State has publicly disputed a report that ex-Buckeyes assistant coach Zach Smith allegedly used a racial epithet during an altercation last year with a former player.

The father of former Ohio State receiver Trevon Grimes told Stadium's Brett McMurphy that Smith used the N-word during a heated exchange with his son during a practice last year.

The school denied that allegation when contacted by McMurphy and reiterated its stance in a statement Tuesday. Smith also denied using the racial slur when contacted by McMurphy.

"The Ohio State University unequivocally and vehemently disputes the unfounded allegations by Brett McMurphy," the statement said. "Any allegations of racism are outrageous…