Carlos Hyde would have faced an immediate dismissal from the Ohio State University (OSU) Buckeyes had he been charged for assault, but the investigation was dropped ESPN reported.

OSU head football coach Urban Meyer said running back Carlos Hyde would be suspended for the team's first three games despite not being charged in an investigation that was dropped Tuesday.

The reason for the suspension, Meyer said, was related to the numerous off-field issues other Buckeye players have been involved in.

"Our players are taught to walk away," Meyer said during a Big 10 coaches' visit to ESPN's Bristol, Conn. campus. "[Hyde's] punishment was because he didn't walk away."

He said it would also play a role in determining the punishment of the other players in trouble before the start of the season.

The Columbus Dispatch originally reported Hyde was a person of interest in a bar fighting incident when the football player allegedly punched a woman. Police said the alleged victim did not wish to further pursue charges.

Hyde will miss games against Buffalo, San Diego State and California and will not miss any games against Big 10 Conference rivals. Hyde was the team's second leading rusher last year and their highest scorer during an undefeated 12-0 season in Meyer's first year at OSU.

Hyde, a senior this year, will likely be the starter when he returns, as he came 30 yards shy last year of becoming the first running back under Meyer to rush for 1,000 in a season.

Meyer has suspended Bradley Roby, Marcus Baugh and Tim Gardner for various legal issues. However, Gardner was dismissed from the team after Columbus police charged him with obstruction of official business. Roby and Baugh are both awaiting further details of their punishment as investigations in their cases progress.

"I have a clear set of core values in place that members of this football program are constantly reminded of and are expected to honor," Meyer said in an OSU press release at the time of the suspensions. "There are also expectations with regard to behavior. I expect our players to conduct themselves responsibly and appropriately and they will be held accountable for their actions."