Ohio State University abuse scandal

The Ohio State University abuse scandal centered on allegations of sexual abuse that occurred between 1978 and 1998, while Richard Strauss was employed as a physician by the Ohio State University (OSU) in the Athletics Department and in the Student Health Center. An independent investigation into the allegations was announced in April 2018 and was conducted by the law firm Perkins Coie.

In July 2018, several former wrestlers accused former head coach Russ Hellickson and U.S. representative Jim Jordan, who was an assistant coach at OSU between 1987 and 1994, of knowing about Strauss's alleged abuse but failing to take action to stop it. Jordan has denied that he had any student-athlete report sexual abuse to him.

The report, released in May 2019, concluded that Strauss abused at least 177 male student-patients and that OSU was aware of the abuse as early as 1979, but the abuse was not widely known outside of athletics or student health until 1996, when he was suspended from his duties. Strauss continued to abuse OSU students at an off-campus clinic until his retirement from the university in 1998. OSU was faulted in the report for failing to report Strauss's conduct to law enforcement.

In May 2020, the university entered into a settlement and agreed to pay $40.9 million to 162 sexual abuse survivors.{{cite news |last1=Redden |first1=Elizabeth |title=Ohio State Pays $40.9M in Sexual Abuse Settlement |url=https://www.insidehighered.com/quicktakes/2020/05/11/ohio-state-pays-409m-sexual-abuse-settlement |accessdate=11 May 2020 |publisher=Inside Higher Ed |date=11 May 2020 |language=en |archive-date=29 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829125028/https://www.insidehighered.com/quicktakes/2020/05/11/ohio-state-pays-409m-sexual-abuse-settlement |url-status=live}} Five lawsuits against the university are pending.

Background

Richard Strauss (1938–2005) received his medical degree from the University of Chicago in 1964, and interned at the associated hospital system until June 1965. Afterward, he served as a lieutenant in the Medical Corps of the United States Navy from 1966 to 1968, and received an honorable discharge. He then took a two-year post-doctoral fellowship at the School of Medicine at the University of Washington until 1970, and then worked as an assistant professor of physiology at both the University of Pennsylvania (1970–1972) and the University of Hawaiʻi (1972–74). After Hawaii, Strauss worked as a medical resident at Rutgers University (1974–1975) and as a research fellow at Harvard Medical School (1975–1978).{{rp|21–23}} Hawaii found no records of any complaints filed against Strauss during his time there.{{cite news |url=https://apnews.com/f014dd7c3c2d4b16b2876f04f78af026 |title=The Latest: So far, U of Hawaiʻi finds no complaint about doc |date=June 21, 2018 |work=AP News |accessdate=2 December 2019}}

Strauss was hired as an assistant professor in the OSU College of Medicine in September 1978; shortly afterward, he began volunteering as a team physician at Larkins Hall, OSU's physical education building. He was appointed to a position in the athletics department in 1981, and to student health in 1994.{{cite report |url=https://compliance.osu.edu/assets/site/pdf/Revised_report.pdf |title=Report of the Independent Investigation: Sexual Abuse Committed by Dr. Richard Strauss at the Ohio State University |author1=Trombino, Caryn |author2=Funk, Markus |publisher=Perkins Coie LLP |website=The Ohio State University |date=May 15, 2019 |accessdate=25 November 2019 |archive-date=29 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829125031/https://compliance.osu.edu/assets/site/pdf/Revised_report.pdf |url-status=live}}{{rp|2}} In athletics, Strauss served as a team physician for multiple teams, including men's wrestling, gymnastics, fencing, lacrosse, and swimming and diving; he additionally treated students on the hockey, cheerleading, volleyball, soccer, track, golf, baseball, tennis, water polo, and football teams.{{rp|34}}{{cite news |url=https://apnews.com/e659a521d8f74b3582539f78f4cbd279/More-sexual-misconduct-allegations-against-ex-Ohio-St-doctor |title=More sexual misconduct allegations against ex-Ohio St doctor |author=Welsh-Huggins, Andrew |date=May 3, 2018 |work=AP News |accessdate=2 December 2019 |archive-date=29 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829125041/https://apnews.com/e659a521d8f74b3582539f78f4cbd279/More-sexual-misconduct-allegations-against-ex-Ohio-St-doctor |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://apnews.com/9fe0cfc73df54ba5acceeaa04a8da539 |title=Ohio State says more victims in alleged doctor misconduct |author=Stacy, Mitch |date=June 7, 2018 |work=AP News |accessdate=2 December 2019 |archive-date=29 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829125041/https://apnews.com/9fe0cfc73df54ba5acceeaa04a8da539 |url-status=live}} Strauss was not formally appointed to a position at Student Health until 1994, but was known to have started performing treatments there as early as 1978.{{rp|35–36}}

{{quotebox

| text = {{pad|1em}}Is this injury bad enough that I'm going to get molested for it?

| author = – Nick Nutter, former OSU wrestler

| source = quoted in the Associated Press, July 6, 2018

| width = 15em

}}

By 1979, athletics department officials knew that Strauss conducted unusually prolonged genital examinations on male athletes, and that athletics staff were not permitted to be present during these examinations. In addition, Strauss was known to shower alongside male students at Larkins Hall, a behavior which was unique to Strauss among team physicians.{{rp|2}} Between 1979 and 1996, multiple students complained about Strauss's excessive and unnecessary genital examinations, but no action was taken by OSU until January 1996, when he was placed on administrative leave in response to patient complaints.{{rp|2–3}}

Larkins Hall, which served OSU as its physical education facility and natatorium, was perceived as a sexualized environment, and multiple witnesses reported that voyeurism and public sex acts occurred there from the early 1980s to the late 1990s.{{rp|163}}{{cite news |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2018/07/12/ohio-state-university-lewd-atmosphere/ |title=Ex-athletes Creepy people, lewd atmosphere at Ohio State University |author1=Gillispie, Mark |author2=Seewer, John |author3=Stacy, Mitch |date=July 12, 2018 |agency=The Associated Press |newspaper=The Denver Post |accessdate=25 November 2019 |archive-date=13 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813201045/https://www.denverpost.com/2018/07/12/ohio-state-university-lewd-atmosphere/ |url-status=live}} Thirty wrestlers and gymnasts reported voyeurs were routinely present at Larkins Hall in the locker room, shower, and sauna areas, ranging from college age to approximately 60 years old; the "leering" voyeurs would ogle student-athletes that were using the facilities and some would masturbate.{{rp|166–167}} Sources familiar with then-head coach Russ Hellickson's actions at the time said that the situation was so egregious that Hellickson would occasionally have to drag the voyeurs out of the building, and that he also pleaded with the university to move their athletes to a private facility.{{Cite web|last1=Bade|first1=Rachael|last2=Bresnahan|first2=John|date=July 6, 2018|title='A cesspool of deviancy': New claims of voyeurism test Jordan denials|url=https://politi.co/2NsYpAG|url-status=live|access-date=April 10, 2021|website=Politico|language=en|archive-date=August 29, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829125045/https://www.politico.com/story/2018/07/06/jim-jordan-harassment-ohio-state-wrestling-699192}} Strauss was counted among the voyeurs; former OSU students stated that Strauss would shower among athletes multiple times per day or stare into the shower while seated on a stool. In addition, peepholes were found in bathroom stalls and shower walls.{{rp|166–167}} The building was completed in 1932, named for retired OSU Athletic Director Dick Larkins in 1976, expanded in 1977, and demolished in 2005.{{rp|165–166}}{{cite web |url=https://library.osu.edu/buckeye-stroll/locations/larkins-hall |title=Buckeye Stroll: Larkins Hall |website=The Ohio State University Library |accessdate=25 November 2019 |archive-date=30 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181230112520/https://library.osu.edu/buckeye-stroll/locations/larkins-hall |url-status=live}}{{cite press release |url=https://news.osu.edu/larkins-hall-demolition-begins-monday/ |title=Larkins Hall demolition begins Monday |publisher=The Ohio State University |date=July 14, 2005 |accessdate=25 November 2019 |archive-date=November 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191124153536/https://news.osu.edu/larkins-hall-demolition-begins-monday/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://library.osu.edu/site/archives/2013/04/11/bleeds-scarlet-and-gray-athletics-director-larkins-hired-without-applying-for-job/ |title=Bleeds Scarlet and Gray: Athletic Director Larkins hired without applying for job |author= |date=April 11, 2013 |website=From Woody's Couch: Our Playbook on OSU History [blog] |publisher=University Libraries, The Ohio State University |accessdate=2 December 2019 |archive-date=29 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829125545/https://library.osu.edu/site/archives/2013/04/11/bleeds-scarlet-and-gray-athletics-director-larkins-hired-without-applying-for-job/ |url-status=live}}

After a closed-door hearing on June 5, 1996, Strauss was terminated from his position with the Athletics Department at the end of July 1996, and terminated from Student Health on August 5, 1996. However, Strauss opened a private off-campus clinic and continued to abuse male patients there.{{rp|2;4–6}} Former employees of the off-campus Men's Clinics of America recalled Strauss placing advertisements in the student newspaper promising student discounts and prompt treatment of genital issues.{{cite news |url=https://apnews.com/7a1d3c29c0a040fabc142ee943a953e8/Ex-employees:-Doc-in-sex-abuse-inquiry-aimed-ads-at-students |title=Ex-employees: Doc in sex abuse inquiry aimed ads at students |author=Franko, Kantele |date=September 11, 2018 |work=AP News |accessdate=2 December 2019 |archive-date=5 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181005212547/https://www.apnews.com/7a1d3c29c0a040fabc142ee943a953e8/Ex-employees:-Doc-in-sex-abuse-inquiry-aimed-ads-at-students |url-status=live}} He also continued as a tenured faculty member in the School of Public Health until his voluntary retirement on March 1, 1998, upon which he gained emeritus status.{{rp|2;4–6}}

Strauss died by suicide in August 2005.{{cite news |url=https://www.newsweek.com/who-richard-strauss-ohio-state-has-least-100-accounts-sexual-abuse-former-1035269 |title=Who is Richard Strauss? Ohio State has at least 100 accounts of sexual abuse by former doctor |author=Rojas, Nicole |date=July 20, 2018 |work=Newsweek |accessdate=25 November 2019 |archive-date=24 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191124021848/https://www.newsweek.com/who-richard-strauss-ohio-state-has-least-100-accounts-sexual-abuse-former-1035269 |url-status=live}} According to his suicide note, he had been suffering from "significant escalating medical and pain problems since January 2002".{{rp|28–29}}

In 2019, OSU published its annual campus safety report, which reflected that Strauss committed 1,430 instances of fondling and 47 rapes during his tenure.{{cite news |url=https://www.dispatch.com/news/20191001/strauss-sex-abuse-reports-total-nearly-1500-ohio-state-says |title=Strauss sex abuse reports total nearly 1,500, Ohio State says |author=Smola, Jennifer |date=October 1, 2019 |newspaper=The Columbus Dispatch |accessdate=25 November 2019 |archive-date=7 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191207075138/https://www.dispatch.com/news/20191001/strauss-sex-abuse-reports-total-nearly-1500-ohio-state-says |url-status=dead}}

Investigation

Mike DiSabato was one of the first to report that Strauss had groped him during medical exams.{{cite news |url=https://www.dispatch.com/news/20180828/whistleblower-in-ohio-state-sexual-abuse-case-convicted-on-unrelated-charge |title=Whistleblower in Ohio State sexual abuse case convicted on unrelated charge |author=Narciso, Dean |date=August 28, 2018 |newspaper=The Columbus Dispatch |url-access=limited |accessdate=26 November 2019 |archive-date=9 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209103102/https://www.dispatch.com/news/20180828/whistleblower-in-ohio-state-sexual-abuse-case-convicted-on-unrelated-charge |url-status=dead}} He first requested information about Strauss in January 2018 via a letter to the university; after failing to get a timely response, he approached The Columbus Dispatch with the allegations of abuse in April.{{cite news |url=https://www.dispatch.com/news/20180718/man-who-first-spoke-up-about-ohio-state-docs-sex-abuse-complicated-figure |title=Man who first spoke up about Ohio State doc's sex abuse a complicated figure |author=Rabinowitz, Bill |date=July 18, 2018 |newspaper=The Columbus Dispatch |accessdate=26 November 2019 |archive-date=9 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109225735/https://www.dispatch.com/news/20180718/man-who-first-spoke-up-about-ohio-state-docs-sex-abuse-complicated-figure |url-status=dead}} DiSabato, who wrestled at Ohio State from 1987 to 1991, added that his first examination with Strauss occurred at the age of 14, when Strauss was conducting research on the body fat of high school wrestlers; the body fat testing included an unnecessary genital exam.{{cite news |url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/07/03/us/ohio-state-sexual-misconduct-investigation/index.html |title=Ohio State is looking into reports of sexual misconduct by a former doctor. Here's what we know |author=Almasy, Steve |date=July 4, 2018 |work=CNN |accessdate=26 November 2019 |archive-date=29 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829125534/https://www.cnn.com/2018/07/03/us/ohio-state-sexual-misconduct-investigation/index.html |url-status=live}} At the time, DiSabato did not recognize Strauss's behavior as sexual abuse and that it was considered an "open secret" amongst the wrestling team.{{cite news |url=https://apnews.com/355629efdd91432aadfca6d6b28c170c |title=Ex-athletes say Ohio State doc groped, ogled men for years |author1=Frank, Kantele |author2=Welsh-Huggins, Andrew |author3=Seewer, John |date=July 6, 2018 |work=AP News |accessdate=2 December 2019 |archive-date=29 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829125551/https://apnews.com/general-news-355629efdd91432aadfca6d6b28c170c |url-status=live}}

In response, the Ohio State University announced that an investigation had been launched into the long-term sexual abuse in April 2018, asking former students and coaches to come forward with any information that might help the investigation.{{cite news |url=https://apnews.com/a9c3bec4553047868145cba01c58b6b0 |title=Ohio State investigating sex allgeations against ex-trainer |author1=Welsh-Huggins, Andrew |author2=Seewer, John |date=April 5, 2018 |work=AP News |accessdate=2 December 2019 |archive-date=29 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829125547/https://apnews.com/a9c3bec4553047868145cba01c58b6b0 |url-status=live}} At the time, the independent investigation was being led by Bricker & Eckler.{{cite press release |url=https://news.osu.edu/investigation-underway-into-allegations-of-sexual-misconduct-against-former-wrestling-team-physician/ |title=Investigation underway into allegations of sexual misconduct against former wrestling team physician |date=April 5, 2018 |publisher=The Ohio State University |accessdate=25 November 2019 |archive-date=January 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109225752/https://news.osu.edu/investigation-underway-into-allegations-of-sexual-misconduct-against-former-wrestling-team-physician/ |url-status=live}} After the Ohio Attorney General's office appointed Porter Wright Morris & Arthur as the university's legal counsel, Porter Wright commissioned Perkins Coie to lead the independent investigation.{{cite press release |url=https://news.osu.edu/ohio-state-shares-updates-on-independent-investigation-of-allegations-involving-former-university-physician/ |title=Ohio State shares updates on independent investigation of allegations involving former university physician |date=May 3, 2018 |publisher=The Ohio State University |accessdate=25 November 2019 |archive-date=January 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200108034051/https://news.osu.edu/ohio-state-shares-updates-on-independent-investigation-of-allegations-involving-former-university-physician/ |url-status=live}} OSU President Michael Drake sent an email in May 2018 to more than 100,000 alumni asking them to contact Perkins Coie with any allegations of abuse.{{cite news |url=https://apnews.com/a5d0d6e0b3dc447cb7b311cf35d07568/Ohio-State-president-seeks-info-about-alleged-misconduct |title=Ohio State president seeks info about alleged misconduct |author=Welsh-Huggins, Andrew |date=May 22, 2018 |work=AP News |accessdate=2 December 2019 |archive-date=29 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829125555/https://apnews.com/a5d0d6e0b3dc447cb7b311cf35d07568/Ohio-State-president-seeks-info-about-alleged-misconduct |url-status=live}} Based on the evidence uncovered, Perkins Coie expanded the scope of the investigation to include Strauss's examinations of high school students in June 2018.{{cite news |url=https://apnews.com/d6f9958f802a4a2f8f7d0ced948b1029/Sex-abuse-inquiry-on-Ohio-State-doc-now-includes-high-school |title=Sex abuse inquiry on Ohio State doc now includes high school |author=Franko, Kantele |date=June 29, 2018 |work=AP News |accessdate=2 December 2019 |archive-date=29 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829125546/https://apnews.com/general-news-d6f9958f802a4a2f8f7d0ced948b1029 |url-status=live}}

The investigation was estimated to have cost $6.2 million by the time the report was released in May 2019.{{cite press release |url=https://news.osu.edu/independent-investigation-finds-ohio-state-doctor-richard-strauss-abused-students-from-1979-to-1998 |title=Independent investigation finds Ohio State doctor Richard Strauss abused students from 1979 to 1998 |date=May 27, 2019 |publisher=The Ohio State University |accessdate=25 November 2019}}

Strauss's son, Scott Strauss, released a statement in July 2018 expressing that the Strauss family was "shocked and saddened" by the allegations against Richard Strauss.{{cite news |url=https://apnews.com/2bf57d3d12b54b7c9f727ac8b34d2315 |title=Family of Ohio State doctor says it's cooperating in probe |date=July 7, 2018 |work=AP News |accessdate=2 December 2019 |archive-date=29 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829130134/https://apnews.com/general-news-2bf57d3d12b54b7c9f727ac8b34d2315 |url-status=live}}

The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) of the United States Department of Education announced it had opened a separate investigation into the university's response in August 2018.{{cite press release |url=https://news.osu.edu/ohio-state-shares-updates-related-to-dr-richard-strauss/ |title=Ohio State shares updates related to Dr. Richard Strauss |date=August 16, 2018 |publisher=The Ohio State University |accessdate=25 November 2019 |archive-date=January 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200109005013/https://news.osu.edu/ohio-state-shares-updates-related-to-dr-richard-strauss/ |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://apnews.com/bd65009bf7254e3cb70da041cc7226fc/Feds-to-review-Ohio-State-response-to-claims-of-abuse-by-doc |title=Feds to review Ohio State response to claims of abuse by doc |author=Franko, Kantele |date=August 16, 2018 |work=AP News |accessdate=2 December 2019 |archive-date=29 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829130117/https://apnews.com/bd65009bf7254e3cb70da041cc7226fc/Feds-to-review-Ohio-State-response-to-claims-of-abuse-by-doc |url-status=live}} Several advocacy groups had sent a letter to OCR earlier in August, alleging that OSU's actions violated Title IX regulations.{{cite news |url=https://apnews.com/b416560fd0764c9f94b513a100bf0c3e |title=Groups call for feds to look at Ohio State abuse response |date=August 1, 2018 |work=AP News |accessdate=2 December 2019 |archive-date=29 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829130107/https://apnews.com/b416560fd0764c9f94b513a100bf0c3e |url-status=live}}

The Ohio State Medical Board confirmed that it had received complaints about Strauss and had turned over confidential records to OSU lawyers in December 2018. However, because the records were confidential, the investigators were not allowed to access them.{{cite news |url=https://apnews.com/0736e642f13f4941bd1989232f894b32 |title=State Medical Board confirms complaint records on OSU doctor |author=Franko, Kantele |date=December 18, 2018 |work=AP News |accessdate=2 December 2019 |archive-date=27 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190527073444/https://apnews.com/0736e642f13f4941bd1989232f894b32 |url-status=live}} The board had investigated Strauss in 1996 but never disciplined him. Details of the investigation were made public in the report by Perkins Coie; specific identifying details were redacted.{{cite news |url=https://apnews.com/306fc6cc19594fe6b1ecf04054dccd82 |title=Ohio State wants info on '96 doc investigation made public |author=Franko, Kantele |date=May 1, 2019 |work=AP News |accessdate=2 December 2019 |archive-date=10 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190710205532/https://apnews.com/306fc6cc19594fe6b1ecf04054dccd82 |url-status=live}} In May 2019, after the redacted report was released, the State Medical Board voted to release the records of its 1996 investigation if the alleged victims agreed to waive their confidentiality.{{cite news |author=Franko |first=Kantele |date=May 23, 2019 |title=Backers of more info on Ohio State doctor abuse win a round |url=https://apnews.com/cdc159244d2d4f3f8e7f7bc24f93b83d |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702093037/https://www.apnews.com/cdc159244d2d4f3f8e7f7bc24f93b83d |archive-date=2 July 2019 |accessdate=2 December 2019 |work=AP News}} Ohio Governor Mike DeWine created a review group via executive order in May 2019. The group's charter was to review the actions that were taken by the State Medical Board in response to the complaints about Strauss.{{cite news |url=https://apnews.com/a79a404e8989447baa3fdd0f452c544f |title=Update on the latest in sports: Ohio State-Team Doctor |date=May 20, 2019 |work=AP News |accessdate=2 December 2019 |archive-date=21 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190521062935/https://apnews.com/a79a404e8989447baa3fdd0f452c544f |url-status=live}}

The investigators conducted interviews with 177 students who provided evidence that Strauss had committed sexual abuse; although not all of the students felt his behavior was abusive, consultation with independent medical doctors confirmed they were not appropriate patient–doctor interactions.{{rp|37–38}}{{cite news |url=https://apnews.com/8100ceaf06c44dc2a85bea4c5daff04f |title='Shocking': Ohio State doc abused 177, officials were aware |author1=Franko, Kantele |author2=Carr Smyth, Julie |date=May 17, 2019 |work=AP News |accessdate=2 December 2019 |archive-date=25 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200225100623/https://apnews.com/8100ceaf06c44dc2a85bea4c5daff04f |url-status=live}} The majority of abuse (143 victims) was categorized as genital fondling associated with medically unnecessary genital or rectal examinations.{{rp|41}} Of the 177, 153 were student-athletes, of which a plurality (48) were members of the men's wrestling team.{{rp|43}}

Civil lawsuits and subsequent developments

= Lawsuits =

Several civil lawsuits have been filed against the Ohio State University in conjunction with the abuse committed by Strauss. Three federal lawsuits had been filed by July 2018; the third lawsuit named several OSU administrators including ex-Athletic Director Andy Geiger as having knowledge of Strauss's abuse.{{cite news |url=https://apnews.com/46fe2a447178437c8afef3dded1350d0 |title=10 more ex-students sue Ohio State over sex abuse by doctor |author=Franko, Kantele |date=July 27, 2018 |work=AP News |accessdate=2 December 2019 |archive-date=31 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200531114014/https://apnews.com/46fe2a447178437c8afef3dded1350d0 |url-status=live}} By September 2018, the university had filed motions to dismiss the first three lawsuits based on associated statutes of limitations.{{cite press release |url=https://news.osu.edu/ohio-state-responds-to-lawsuits-concerning-strauss-misconduct/ |title=Ohio State responds to lawsuits concerning Strauss misconduct |date=September 7, 2018 |publisher=The Ohio State University |accessdate=25 November 2019 |archive-date=January 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200109005116/https://news.osu.edu/ohio-state-responds-to-lawsuits-concerning-strauss-misconduct/ |url-status=live}} Two of the suits were merged in October 2018.{{cite news |url=https://apnews.com/3aea112bcd854a6e847c58b5825ee1b7 |title=Merged claims leave Ohio State facing 2 suits over team doc |date=October 30, 2018 |work=AP News |accessdate=2 December 2019 |archive-date=10 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190110084217/https://apnews.com/3aea112bcd854a6e847c58b5825ee1b7 |url-status=live}} In total, more than 20 school officials and staff were named as knowing of complaints about Strauss's abuse but failing to stop him.{{cite news |url=https://apnews.com/7661d6fbe4dc467a9ad37f780513e9a0 |title=Accusers: 20-plus Ohio State staff knew concerns over doctor |author=Franko, Kantele |date=November 14, 2018 |work=AP News |accessdate=2 December 2019 |archive-date=10 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191010111332/https://www.apnews.com/7661d6fbe4dc467a9ad37f780513e9a0 |url-status=live}}

In June 2020, Ohio State University agreed to pay $40.9 million to settle the lawsuits of 162 men who alleged sexual abuse during Strauss's tenure.{{cite news |last1=Redden |first1=Elizabeth |date=20 May 2020 |title=Ohio State Pays $40.9M in Sexual Abuse Settlement |work=Inside Higher Ed |url=https://www.insidehighered.com/quicktakes/2020/05/11/ohio-state-pays-409m-sexual-abuse-settlement |url-status=live |accessdate=14 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200604090617/https://www.insidehighered.com/quicktakes/2020/05/11/ohio-state-pays-409m-sexual-abuse-settlement |archive-date=4 June 2020}}{{Cite web |last=Griffith |first=Janelle |date=2020-05-08 |title=Ohio State will pay $41M to 162 men sexually abused by team doctor |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/ohio-state-university-will-pay-41m-162-men-who-say-n1203401 |access-date=2023-10-20 |website=NBC News |language=en |archive-date=June 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230629051517/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/ohio-state-university-will-pay-41m-162-men-who-say-n1203401 |url-status=live}}

In September 2021, a judge dismissed several cases brought against the university on grounds that the statute of limitations had passed.{{Cite news |last1=Singh |first1=Kanishka |last2=Sharma |first2=Akriti |last3=Singh |first3=Kanishka |date=2021-09-23 |title=Judge dismisses cases against Ohio State University over sex abuse |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/judge-dismisses-cases-against-ohio-state-university-over-sex-abuse-2021-09-23/ |access-date=2023-10-20 |archive-date=July 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702021757/https://www.reuters.com/world/us/judge-dismisses-cases-against-ohio-state-university-over-sex-abuse-2021-09-23/ |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=Franko |first=Kantele |date=2021-09-23 |title=Suits against Ohio State over sex abuse by doc are dismissed |url=https://apnews.com/article/sports-health-courts-education-ohio-9ed6895f0c35cd9b928f51a26638053f |access-date=2023-10-20 |website=Associated Press |language=en |archive-date=November 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124045326/https://apnews.com/article/sports-health-courts-education-ohio-9ed6895f0c35cd9b928f51a26638053f |url-status=live}} A federal appeals court ruled in September 2022 that the lawsuits could move forward, stating the judge had "erred" in his ruling.{{Cite web |last=Ortiz |first=Erik |date=2022-09-15 |title=Lawsuits against Ohio State alleging sex abuse by team doctor can move forward |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/lawsuits-ohio-state-alleging-sex-abuse-team-doctor-can-move-forward-rcna47885 |access-date=2023-10-20 |website=NBC News |language=en |archive-date=December 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228045434/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/lawsuits-ohio-state-alleging-sex-abuse-team-doctor-can-move-forward-rcna47885 |url-status=live}} In June 2023, the Supreme Court rejected the university's appeal of the September 2022 ruling, allowing the lawsuits to proceed.{{Cite web |date=2023-06-26 |title=Supreme Court lets lawsuits over team doctor's sexual abuse proceed against Ohio State |url=https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-ohio-state-abuse-richard-strauss-57b547932ffeaa015c6f85a994276e32 |access-date=2023-10-20 |website=Associated Press |language=en |archive-date=December 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227100224/https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-ohio-state-abuse-richard-strauss-57b547932ffeaa015c6f85a994276e32 |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=Vogue |first=Ariane de |date=2023-06-26 |title=Supreme Court clears way for lawsuits against Ohio State University over alleged abuse dating to the 1970s |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/26/politics/supreme-court-ohio-state/index.html |access-date=2023-10-20 |website=CNN |language=en |archive-date=October 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003085938/https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/26/politics/supreme-court-ohio-state/index.html |url-status=live}}

As of October 2023, five lawsuits against the university from 236 men were pending. The university denied admitting to any wrongdoing in its handling of Strauss's abuses.{{Cite web |last=Siemaszko |first=Corky |date=2023-10-13 |title=Faced with more lawsuits, Ohio State denies covering up sex abuse scandal years after paying out millions in damages |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/faced-lawsuits-ohio-state-denies-covering-sex-abuse-scandal-years-payi-rcna120200 |access-date=2023-10-20 |website=NBC News |language=en |archive-date=January 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108152013/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/faced-lawsuits-ohio-state-denies-covering-sex-abuse-scandal-years-payi-rcna120200 |url-status=live}}

= Jim Jordan's involvement =

In June 2018, at least eight former wrestlers reported that then-coaches Russ Hellickson (head coach, 1986–2006) and Jim Jordan (assistant coach, 1987–1995) were aware of the abuse by Strauss but failed to put a stop to it.{{cite news |author=Siemaszko, Corky |date=July 3, 2018 |title=Powerful GOP Rep. Jim Jordan accused of turning blind eye to sexual abuse as Ohio State wrestling coach |work=NBC News |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/powerful-gop-rep-jim-jordan-accused-turning-blind-eye-sexual-n888386 |url-status=live |accessdate=25 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191030215342/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/powerful-gop-rep-jim-jordan-accused-turning-blind-eye-sexual-n888386 |archive-date=30 October 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Edmonsen |first1=Catie |date=July 11, 2018 |title=Unshaken by Abuse Scandal, Conservatives Are Sticking With Jim Jordan |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/11/us/politics/jim-jordan-sexual-abuse-scandal.html |url-status=live |access-date=July 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191018173625/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/11/us/politics/jim-jordan-sexual-abuse-scandal.html |archive-date=October 18, 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Viebeck |first1=Elise |last2=Crites |first2=Alice |date=July 7, 2018 |title=Rep. Jim Jordan faces new accusation that he must have known about alleged sexual abuse at The Ohio State |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/powerpost/rep-jim-jordan-faces-new-accusation-he-must-have-known-about-alleged-sexual-abuse-at-ohio-state/2018/07/07/5f21f5ca-822f-11e8-b9a5-7e1c013f8c33_story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708050522/https://www.washingtonpost.com/powerpost/rep-jim-jordan-faces-new-accusation-he-must-have-known-about-alleged-sexual-abuse-at-ohio-state/2018/07/07/5f21f5ca-822f-11e8-b9a5-7e1c013f8c33_story.html |archive-date=July 8, 2018 |quote=David Range ... said Jordan had to have known about alleged sexual misconduct by Richard Strauss ... because it happened regularly to team members and people talked about it. |access-date=3 October 2024 }} Jordan's locker was adjacent to Strauss's, and while he was assistant wrestling coach, he created and awarded a "King of the Sauna" certificate to the member of the team who spent the most time in the sauna "talking smack".{{Cite news |last=Smola |first=Jennifer |date=July 5, 2018 |title=Trump says he doesn't believe allegations against Jim Jordan; new victim emerges |language=en |newspaper=The Columbus Dispatch |url=https://www.dispatch.com/news/20180705/trump-says-he-doesnt-believe-allegations-against-jim-jordan-new-victim-emerges |url-status=live |access-date=November 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109225734/https://www.dispatch.com/news/20180705/trump-says-he-doesnt-believe-allegations-against-jim-jordan-new-victim-emerges |archive-date=January 9, 2021}}

Former wrestling team members David Range, Mike DiSabato and Dunyasha Yetts asserted that Jordan knew of Strauss's misconduct. Yetts said, "For God's sake, Strauss's locker was right next to Jordan's and Jordan even said he'd kill him if he tried anything with him".{{Cite web |last=Siemaszko |first=Corky |date=July 3, 2018 |title=Powerful GOP politician accused of turning blind eye to sexual abuse at Ohio State |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/powerful-gop-rep-jim-jordan-accused-turning-blind-eye-sexual-n888386 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210313222955/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/powerful-gop-rep-jim-jordan-accused-turning-blind-eye-sexual-n888386 |archive-date=March 13, 2021 |access-date=March 23, 2021 |website=NBC News |language=en}} No wrestlers have accused Jordan of sexual misconduct, but four former wrestlers named him as a defendant in a lawsuit against the university.{{Cite news |last1=Wehrman |first1=Jessica |last2=Bischoff |first2=Laura A. |last3=Smola |first3=Jennifer |date=July 3, 2018 |title=Congressman Jim Jordan knew about sex abuse at OSU, former wrestlers say |newspaper=Dayton Daily News |url=https://www.daytondailynews.com/news/state--regional-govt--politics/congressman-jim-jordan-knew-about-sex-abuse-former-wrestlers-say/lzfhebNU5mZ5WrRbfg3aFM/ |url-status=live |access-date=October 31, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191031145601/https://www.daytondailynews.com/news/state--regional-govt--politics/congressman-jim-jordan-knew-about-sex-abuse-former-wrestlers-say/lzfhebNU5mZ5WrRbfg3aFM/ |archive-date=October 31, 2019}}{{cite web |last1=Bade |first1=Rachael |last2=Bresnehan |first2=John |date=July 6, 2018 |title='A cesspool of deviancy': New claims of voyeurism test Jordan denials |url=https://www.politico.com/story/2018/07/06/jim-jordan-harassment-ohio-state-wrestling-699192 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180707010327/https://www.politico.com/story/2018/07/06/jim-jordan-harassment-ohio-state-wrestling-699192 |archive-date=July 7, 2018 |access-date=July 7, 2018 |website=Politico |publisher=Capitol News Company |language=en |location=Arlington, Virginia}}{{Cite magazine |last=Moser |first=Bob |date=July 18, 2018 |title=Rep. Jim Jordan Is Named in New OSU Sexual Abuse Lawsuit |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/jim-jordan-ohio-state-700578/ |url-status=live |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210316140814/https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/jim-jordan-ohio-state-700578/ |archive-date=March 16, 2021 |access-date=March 23, 2021}} Several former wrestlers, including ex-UFC fighter Mark Coleman, allege that Hellickson contacted two witnesses in an alleged attempt to pressure them to support Jordan the day after they accused Jordan of turning a blind eye to the abuse.{{Cite news |last=Varda |first=Zach |date=August 1, 2018 |title=Former wrestlers reportedly pressured by coach to support Jim Jordan |language=en-US |newspaper=The Lantern |url=https://www.thelantern.com/2018/08/former-wrestlers-pressured-by-coach-to-support-jim-jordan/ |url-status=live |access-date=November 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109225755/https://www.thelantern.com/2018/08/former-wrestlers-pressured-by-coach-to-support-jim-jordan/ |archive-date=January 9, 2021}}{{Cite web |last=Siemaszko |first=Corky |date=August 2, 2018 |title=Former Ohio State wrestling coach urged Rep. Jim Jordan's accusers to recant, texts show |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/former-ohio-state-wrestling-coach-urged-rep-jim-jordan-s-n896551 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109225811/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/former-ohio-state-wrestling-coach-urged-rep-jim-jordan-s-n896551 |archive-date=January 9, 2021 |access-date=March 23, 2021 |website=NBC News |language=en}}

Jordan denied that any student-athlete had reported any abuse to him.{{cite news |url=https://www.dispatch.com/news/20180503/investigation-into-former-ohio-state-wrestling-doctor-expands-to-other-sports |title=Investigation into former Ohio State wrestling doctor expands to other sports |author=Smola, Jennifer |date=May 3, 2018 |newspaper=The Columbus Dispatch |accessdate=25 November 2019 |archive-date=24 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191124131057/https://www.dispatch.com/news/20180503/investigation-into-former-ohio-state-wrestling-doctor-expands-to-other-sports |url-status=dead}} Jordan said the timing of the allegations that he knew of the abuse were "interesting ... in light of things that are going on in Washington", referring to Jordan's role as a founder of the Freedom Caucus and his potential candidacy for Speaker of the House.{{cite news |url=https://apnews.com/3b0b5b895a2b471c98f3c4044429e116 |title=US Rep. Jordan denies claims he knew of Ohio State sex abuse |date=July 4, 2018 |work=Associated Press |accessdate=2 December 2019 |archive-date=27 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180827023556/https://apnews.com/3b0b5b895a2b471c98f3c4044429e116 |url-status=live}} Speaker Paul Ryan defended Jordan as "a man of honesty, a man of integrity" and discouraged an investigation by the House Ethics Committee, as the abuse had occurred before Jordan's election to the House of Representatives.{{cite news |url=https://apnews.com/e736321c638341cf857c9f19984d6166/House-speaker-defends-Ohio-congressman-as-%27man-of-integrity%27 |title=House speaker defends Ohio congressman as 'man of integrity' |author1=Stacy, Mitch |author2=Welsh-Huggins, Andrew |date=July 11, 2018 |work=Associated Press |accessdate=2 December 2019 |archive-date=15 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200515022849/https://apnews.com/e736321c638341cf857c9f19984d6166/House-speaker-defends-Ohio-congressman-as-%27man-of-integrity%27 |url-status=live}} Other ex-wrestlers defended Jordan,{{cite news |url=https://apnews.com/0824828a2046490ea8d9dc83052b9d0a/Additional-ex-wrestlers-at-Ohio-State-defend-congressman |title=Additional ex-wrestlers at Ohio State defend congressman |author=Welsh-Huggins, Andrew |date=July 10, 2018 |work=Associated Press |accessdate=2 December 2019 |archive-date=12 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191112064704/https://apnews.com/0824828a2046490ea8d9dc83052b9d0a/Additional-ex-wrestlers-at-Ohio-State-defend-congressman |url-status=live}} who was interviewed by Perkins Coie later in July.{{cite news |url=https://apnews.com/b1e9d2ed4111444ca9e0516fa8bfe88d |title=Rep. Jim Jordan interviewed in doctor sex abuse inquiry |author=Franko, Kantele |date=July 18, 2018 |work=Associated Press |accessdate=2 December 2019 |archive-date=10 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191010111329/https://apnews.com/b1e9d2ed4111444ca9e0516fa8bfe88d |url-status=live}}

In response to Jordan's denials, DiSabato said, "I considered Jim Jordan a friend. But at the end of the day, he is absolutely lying if he says he doesn't know what was going on."{{Cite web |last=Siemaszko |first=Corky |date=July 3, 2018 |title=Powerful GOP politician accused of turning blind eye to sexual abuse at Ohio State |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/powerful-gop-rep-jim-jordan-accused-turning-blind-eye-sexual-n888386 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191030215342/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/powerful-gop-rep-jim-jordan-accused-turning-blind-eye-sexual-n888386 |archive-date=October 30, 2019 |access-date=October 31, 2019 |website=NBC News |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Crowley |first=James |date=February 12, 2020 |title=Former wrestler alleges GOP Rep. Jim Jordan called him "crying, groveling," wanted help covering up OSU abuse scandal |url=https://www.newsweek.com/jim-jordan-osu-wrestling-sexual-abuse-richard-strauss-1487016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109225825/https://www.newsweek.com/jim-jordan-osu-wrestling-sexual-abuse-richard-strauss-1487016 |archive-date=January 9, 2021 |access-date=February 13, 2020 |website=Newsweek |language=en}}

On July 13, 2018, the editorial board of the Cleveland Plain Dealer wrote, "Jim Jordan must acknowledge what he knew".{{Cite news |date=July 13, 2018 |title=No more denials. Jim Jordan must acknowledge what he knew: editorial |language=en |newspaper=The Plain-Dealer |url=https://www.cleveland.com/opinion/2018/07/no_more_denials_jim_jordan_mus.html |url-status=live |access-date=October 31, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109225814/https://www.cleveland.com/opinion/2018/07/no_more_denials_jim_jordan_mus.html |archive-date=January 9, 2021}}

In May 2019, DiSabato filed a Title IX lawsuit against OSU. In one count of the court papers, DiSabato alleged that a second cousin of Jordan's had attempted to "intimidate and retaliate" against him.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dispatch.com/news/20180718/man-who-first-spoke-up-about-ohio-state-docs-sex-abuse-complicated-figure|title=Man who first spoke up about Ohio State doc's sex abuse a complicated figure|last=Rabinowitz|first=Bill|website=The Columbus Dispatch|language=en|access-date=2019-11-24|archive-date=2021-01-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109225735/https://www.dispatch.com/news/20180718/man-who-first-spoke-up-about-ohio-state-docs-sex-abuse-complicated-figure|url-status=dead |date=18 July 2018 }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.cleveland.com/metro/2018/07/rep_jim_jordan_disputes_claims.html|title=Rep. Jim Jordan again disputes allegations he knew Ohio State wrestlers were sexually abused (videos)|last=Eaton|first=Sabrina|date=2018-07-05|website=cleveland|language=en|access-date=2019-11-24|archive-date=2020-02-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200213180002/https://www.cleveland.com/metro/2018/07/rep_jim_jordan_disputes_claims.html|url-status=live}} In 2019, DiSabato shared text messages with NBC News that were corroborated by another former wrestler{{Cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/former-osu-wrestler-who-accused-rep-jim-jordan-ignoring-abuse-n899416|title=Former OSU wrestler who accused Rep. Jim Jordan of ignoring abuse changes story|last=Siemaszko|first=Corky|date=August 9, 2018|website=NBC News|publisher=NBCUniversal|location=New York City|language=en|access-date=November 3, 2019|archive-date=January 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109225743/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/former-osu-wrestler-who-accused-rep-jim-jordan-ignoring-abuse-n899416|url-status=live}} indicating that Jim Jordan, Russ Hellickson, and high school wrestling coach Jeff Jordan (Jim Jordan's younger brother){{Cite news|url=https://www.daytondailynews.com/sports/end-era-jordan-retires-graham-wrestling-coach/whgP6n5jTVDnMXN6pFrc2H/|title=End of an era: Jordan retires as Graham wrestling coach|last=Pendleton|first=Marc|date=September 13, 2018|newspaper=Dayton Daily News|access-date=October 31, 2019|publisher=Cox Enterprises|location=Dayton, Ohio|archive-date=January 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109225838/https://www.daytondailynews.com/sports/end-era-jordan-retires-graham-wrestling-coach/whgP6n5jTVDnMXN6pFrc2H/|url-status=live}} conspired to engage in witness tampering and intimidation when they called former OSU wrestler Mark Coleman and his parents to pressure him to recant his earlier accusation that Jordan was aware of the abuse. Coleman had shared a room with Jordan while traveling to several wrestling meets.

In November 2019, a retired wrestling referee filed a lawsuit alleging that he had warned Jordan and Hellickson about Strauss's misconduct but they had dismissed his warning.{{Cite web|last=Dzhanova|first=Yelena|date=November 8, 2019|title=Wrestling referee warned Rep. Jim Jordan about Ohio State doctor's sex misconduct, new lawsuit says|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2019/11/08/referee-told-rep-jim-jordan-about-ohio-state-dr-richard-strauss-sex-abuse-suit-says.html|url-status=live|access-date=March 23, 2021|website=CNBC|language=en|archive-date=January 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109225811/https://www.cnbc.com/2019/11/08/referee-told-rep-jim-jordan-about-ohio-state-dr-richard-strauss-sex-abuse-suit-says.html}}{{Cite web|last=Young|first=Ryan|date=November 8, 2019|title=Referee files lawsuit, claims Rep. Jim Jordan ignored abuse allegations against Ohio State doctor|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/ohio-state-team-doctor-richard-strauss-abuse-allegations-referee-told-representitive-congress-jim-jordan-investigation-041337777.html|url-status=live|access-date=March 23, 2021|website=Yahoo Sports|language=en-US|archive-date=January 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109225740/https://sports.yahoo.com/ohio-state-team-doctor-richard-strauss-abuse-allegations-referee-told-representitive-congress-jim-jordan-investigation-041337777.html}} Jordan dismissed the referee as "another person making a false statement".{{cite news |url=https://www.limaohio.com/news/383183/jim-jordan-referees-claim-ridiculous |title=Jim Jordan: Referee's claim 'ridiculous' |author=Ellerbrock, Josh |date=November 12, 2019 |newspaper=Lima News |accessdate=21 November 2019 |archive-date=19 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191119045521/https://www.limaohio.com/news/383183/jim-jordan-referees-claim-ridiculous |url-status=dead}}

In February 2020, Adam DiSabato{{snd}}the brother of Mike DiSabato{{snd}}testified under oath that Jordan telephoned him "crying, groveling...begging me to go against my brother.... That's the kind of cover-up that's going on there",{{Cite web|last=Crowley|first=James|date=February 12, 2020|title=Former wrestler alleges GOP Rep. Jim Jordan called him "crying, groveling," wanted help covering up OSU abuse scandal|url=https://www.newsweek.com/jim-jordan-osu-wrestling-sexual-abuse-richard-strauss-1487016|url-status=live|access-date=March 23, 2021|website=Newsweek|language=en|archive-date=January 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109225825/https://www.newsweek.com/jim-jordan-osu-wrestling-sexual-abuse-richard-strauss-1487016}}{{Cite web|last=Behrmann|first=Savannah|date=February 13, 2020|title=Ex-OSU wrestler: Rep. Jordan called 'crying, groveling, begging' to deny sexual abuse claims|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2020/02/12/adam-disabato-rep-jordan-begged-him-deny-osu-abuse-claims/4741555002/|url-status=live|access-date=March 23, 2021|website=USA Today|language=en-US|archive-date=January 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109225744/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2020/02/12/adam-disabato-rep-jordan-begged-him-deny-osu-abuse-claims/4741555002/}}{{Cite web|date=February 12, 2020|title=Former OSU Wrestler: Jim Jordan 'Called Me Crying' After Strauss Abuse Allegation|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Su8kTukkEg |url-status=live|access-date=March 23, 2021|website=NBC News|via=YouTube|archive-date=January 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210112132905/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Su8kTukkEg&ab_channel=NBCNews}} described Jordan as a "coward" and accused Hellickson of "abandon[ing]" the wrestlers who came forward with allegations about Strauss.

In March 2020, six former OSU wrestlers told CNN that Jordan was aware of sexual misconduct accusations against Strauss. Eight others said Strauss's behavior was an open secret in the OSU athletic department and that Jordan had to have known about it.{{Cite web |last1=Devine |first1=Curt |last2=Griffin |first2=Drew |last3=Kamp |first3=Majlie de Puy |date=2020-03-06 |title=Six former wrestlers say Rep. Jim Jordan knew about abusive OSU doctor |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2020/03/06/politics/jordan-osu-wrestlers-strauss-invs/index.html |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=CNN Politics |language=en}}

In October 2023, the former OSU wrestlers who accused Jordan of ignoring the scandal opposed his bid for Speaker of the House.{{Cite news |last=Pengelly |first=Martin |date=2023-10-11 |title=Ex-Ohio State wrestlers say Jim Jordan unfit for speakership for ignoring sexual abuse scandal |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/11/jim-jordan-house-speaker-ohio-state-wrestlers-abuse |access-date=2023-10-20 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=December 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231226235143/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/11/jim-jordan-house-speaker-ohio-state-wrestlers-abuse |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=Weintraub |first=Allie |date=October 19, 2023 |title=Rep. Jim Jordan 'turned a blind eye' to sex abuse allegations, says former OSU wrestler amid House speaker battle |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/rep-jim-jordan-turned-blind-eye-sex-abuse/story?id=104060698 |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=ABC News (United States) |language=en}}

= Documentary =

In February 2021, The Hollywood Reporter reported that George Clooney's film production company Smokehouse Pictures would be teaming with Sports Illustrated Studios and 101 Studios to produce a docuseries about the scandal, and that the series would be based on an October 2020 Sports Illustrated article by Jon Wertheim detailing Strauss's abuse.{{Cite web|last=Porter|first=Rick|date=February 22, 2021|title=George Clooney to Produce Ohio State Abuse Scandal Docuseries|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/george-clooney-produce-ohio-state-abuse-scandal-docuseries|url-status=live|access-date=February 23, 2021|website=The Hollywood Reporter|language=en|archive-date=February 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210222232110/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/george-clooney-produce-ohio-state-abuse-scandal-docuseries}}

HBO announced in June 2022 that the documentary had started production, with a planned debut on HBO and HBO MAX. Australian director Eva Orner is directing the documentary.{{Cite web |last=Chapman |first=Wilson |date=2022-06-07 |title=HBO Boards George Clooney Produced Documentary About Ohio State University Abuse Scandal |url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/hbo-ohio-state-university-1235287084/ |access-date=2023-10-20 |website=Variety |language=en-US |archive-date=December 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231229141348/https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/hbo-ohio-state-university-1235287084/ |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=Pedersen |first=Erik |date=2022-06-07 |title=Ohio State University Sex-Abuse Documentary From 101 Studios & George Clooney's Smokehouse Lands At HBO |url=https://deadline.com/2022/06/ohio-state-university-sex-abuse-documentary-george-clooney-hbo-1235039908/ |access-date=2023-10-20 |website=Deadline Hollywood |language=en-US |archive-date=December 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230225946/https://deadline.com/2022/06/ohio-state-university-sex-abuse-documentary-george-clooney-hbo-1235039908/ |url-status=live}} The filmmakers have interviewed several abuse survivors. A staffer at Smokehouse Pictures said in October 2023 that they were "still thick in production on it".{{Cite news |last=Hurley |first=Bevan |date=2023-10-24 |title=New doc on the wrestling abuse that dogged Jim Jordan's Speaker run |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/ohio-state-documentary-clooney-jim-jordan-b2435040.html |access-date=2024-06-25 |work=The Independent |language=en |archive-date=September 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240923141519/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/ohio-state-documentary-clooney-jim-jordan-b2435040.html |url-status=live }}

On April 16, 2025, it was announced that the film, titled Surviving Ohio State, would have its world premiere at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival in addition to airing on HBO.{{cite web |last=Millard |first=Katie |last2=Marshall |first2=Colleen |date=Apr 16, 2025 |title=Premiere set for Clooney-backed documentary on Richard Strauss OSU sex abuse scandal |url=https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/ohio-state-university/premiere-set-for-clooney-backed-documentary-on-richard-strauss-osu-sex-abuse-scandal/ |access-date=17 April 2025 |website=NBC4i}}

References

External links

{{cite web |url=https://compliance.osu.edu/strauss-investigation.html |title=Strauss Investigation |website=The Office of University Compliance and Integrity, The Ohio State University}}
{{cite web |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/mm2676/albums/72157633183896348 |title=larkins |author=Miller, Melissa |date=2003 |website=flickr}}

Category:2018 in American law

Category:2018 in Ohio

Category:2018 scandals

Category:Campus sexual assault

Category:Crimes in Ohio

Category:Institutional abuse

Category:Ohio State University

Category:Sexual abuse cover-ups

Category:Sexual assaults in the United States

Category:Violence against men in the United States

Category:Sexual assault in sports

Category:Sex scandals in the United States