Restaurant chain Bob Evans suspends partnership with Urban Meyer

Paul Myerberg | USA TODAY

Show Caption Hide Caption Urban Meyer faces questions about domestic violence claims against former assistant SportsPulse: USA TODAY Sports' Dan Wolken discusses reports that Ohio State coach Urban Meyer knew about domestic violence allegations against a former assistant.

The Ohio-based chain Bob Evans Restaurants has suspended its short-lived partnership with Urban Meyer and removed all references to the embattled Ohio State coach from its website just days after announcing an endorsement deal that called the Meyer the chain’s “head breakfast coach.”

“At Bob Evans Restaurants, we believe strongly in the family first values upon which the company was founded,” according to a statement provided to USA TODAY Sports.

“We are suspending the current partnership with Urban Meyer and removing all related content pending the results of the official Ohio State University investigation.”

Meyer was placed on administrative leave by Ohio State on Wednesday amid reports that he was aware of allegations of domestic abuse involving a former assistant coach, Zach Smith.

WOLKEN COLUMN: Ohio State must fire Meyer if he was protecting abuser

MORE: Ohio State places Urban Meyer on paid leave

MORE: Who is Ohio State interim football head coach Ryan Day?

Meyer claimed at the recent Big Ten Conference media days that he was aware of a 2009 incident involving Smith and his then-wife when he named Smith the Buckeyes’ wide receivers coach in 2012. Meyer went on to claim he was not aware of a 2015 incident, and that members of the Ohio State staff had looked into the allegation and found “nothing.”

“I don't know who creates a story like that,” Meyer continued.

In announcing its partnership with Meyer earlier this week, Bob Evans Restaurants outlined a campaign that would include advertising on television, radio and online.

“Just like OSU football fans on game days, Bob Evans guests can expect nothing but our top performance for every breakfast and dining experience,” said Meyer, according to the chain’s press release. “I won't accept anything less.”