Smith Won’t Play for Ohio State

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Tailback Robert Smith, saying he questioned the importance of playing football, ended speculation Friday by finalizing his decision to quit the Ohio State team.

“I questioned the importance of what I was doing relative to my larger goals in life,” Smith said, reading from a statement. “In view of these doubts I believe neither the team nor I would benefit from my return to the program at this time.”

A microbiology major, Smith wants to become a surgeon.

Smith, who broke Archie Griffin’s Ohio State freshman rushing record with 1,126 yards last year, quit the team Aug. 23, saying the coaching staff disregarded academics and player safety.

Smith said he would continue to attend Ohio State.