'Save Urban Meyer' online petition has more than 26,000 signatures

Josh Peter | USA TODAY

Show Caption Hide Caption Urban Meyer backtracks, says he knew about and reported abuse allegations SportsPulse: USA TODAY Sports' Paul Myerberg discusses the latest from Ohio State, where Urban Meyer backtracked and Zach Smith broke his silence.

A “Save Urban Meyer’’ online petition has garnered more than 26,000 signatures from people supporting the embattled Ohio State football coach.



The site shows the petition was started Thursday by Blake Firestone, who said he is a fan of Ohio State. The goal - originally 25,000 - now is 35,000 signatures.



“Urban Meyer is on the hot seat and can be wrongly fired from Ohio State,’’ reads the petition. “... It is up to us Buckeye Nation to help him not just for him but for THE Ohio State University and the great state of Ohio!’’



Meyer was put on paid administrative leave Wednesday amid allegations he was aware of multiple alleged instances of domestic abuse involving one of his former assistant coaches.

More: Urban Meyer fans think Ohio State coach is a victim of the times

Firestone directed the petition to Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith with Meyer under siege.



“Hopefully Gene Smith can see this and realize that Buckeye Nation will not tolerate for this,’’ he wrote.



But Firestone indicated the petitioners may need a new point of contact with Smith drawing scrutiny after recent developments.



Meyer has said he was untruthful with the media July 24 when he denied knowing about allegations in 2015 and that he followed proper reporting protocols and procedures. That likely meant reporting the matter to Smith.

Zach Smith, the ousted assistant football coach, has said Gene Smith knew about the allegations.

Meanwhile, support for Meyer also seems to be building for a rally scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday outside Ohio State’s football stadium. Jeff Hamms, a self-described avid Ohio State fan who is organizing the event, has used Facebook to spread the word.



“Bring your signs, paint your face, do whatever you’ve got to do,’’ Hamms said Sunday in a video. “We want to be heard. We want our coach back.”

Follow Peter on Twitter @joshlpeter11