The first reason many believe Ohio State has as an option to fire Urban Meyer is whether he reported alleged abuse through the proper channels and authorities.

Make no mistake, during the review and investigation by Ohio State into Meyer’s knowledge and communication surrounding former assistant coach Zach Smith’s alleged domestic abuse and recent firing, legal counsel will review every interpretation of each related clause in the contract.

But a USATODAY review of Meyer’s contract has found that there are multiple provisions that give the university grounds to fire him even if he followed the proper reporting procedures.

Nancy Armour found that one clause that allows a firing is for “fraud or dishonesty … in the course of his duties or responsibilities.” The most high-profile example is when Meyer was asked about the 2015 allegations at Big Ten Media Days.

Another clause would be for behavior that reflects, “unfavorably upon Ohio State’s reputation and overall primary mission and objectives.” One more could be that if Meyer fails to “perform his duties and personally comport himself at all times in a manner consistent with good sportsmanship and with the high moral, ethical and academic standards of Ohio State and its Department of Athletics.”

Weighing the school’s brand with legal policies and procedures is at the heart of this two-week investigation. But how forthcoming Meyer was with information he knew about Smith may be only one red flag university investigators are focusing on.