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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.