News Summary
U.S. Representative Jim Jordan testified regarding allegations of sexual abuse by former OSU team doctor Dr. Richard Strauss. His deposition, part of a federal lawsuit, raises questions about OSU’s handling of abuse claims. Survivors criticize the university’s settlement offers amid ongoing investigations and discussions prompted by a recent documentary. This testimony marks a significant moment in addressing long-standing issues within the university’s athletic culture.
Columbus, Ohio – U.S. Representative Jim Jordan testified under oath regarding longstanding allegations of sexual abuse against Ohio State University (OSU) athletes by former team doctor Dr. Richard Strauss. Strauss was a team physician at OSU from 1978 to 1998 and died in 2005. His tenure at the university is marked by numerous accusations from hundreds of former athletes claiming he committed sexual abuse during this period.
The deposition of Jordan, a Republican from Ohio and assistant coach for the OSU wrestling team from 1986 to 1994, was part of a federal lawsuit filed by former student-athletes. They contend that OSU failed to protect them from the alleged abuse while the university had knowledge of Strauss’s actions. Plaintiffs claim that Jordan was aware of the abuse and did not take appropriate action.
Jordan’s deposition was conducted on July 7, 2023, and followed the airing of the documentary “Surviving Ohio State,” directed by Eva Orner and produced by George Clooney, which premiered on HBO and Max on June 17. The documentary features former OSU wrestlers who have accused Jordan of having knowledge of the abuse while he was coaching.
While Jordan’s office has not confirmed the deposition, representatives for him have reiterated his longstanding assertion that he was unaware of Strauss’s criminal behavior or any alleged cover-up within the university. Jordan’s earlier cooperation included his participation in an independent investigation into the matter, although he had not been deposed under oath until recently.
A federal report from 2019 indicated that Strauss committed nearly 1,500 acts of sexual assault during his time working with student-athletes at OSU. The ongoing investigations and discussions have revealed that many former wrestlers believe that Jordan ignored the signs of abuse, with individuals like Michael DiSabato, a former OSU wrestler, stating that their awareness of abuse in other high-profile cases led to their realization of Strauss’s misconduct.
Legal representatives for the plaintiffs have also examined other key figures connected to the case, including OSU’s former athletic director, Andy Geiger. As Jordan’s deposition unfolds, the broader implications of the university’s handling of sexual abuse claims have come to the fore. These discussions have been further fueled by revelations in the documentary and the compelling testimonies from former student-athletes.
Ohio State University’s response to the crisis has included settling claims with nearly 300 survivors of Strauss’s abuse, providing an average payout of $252,000 to each victim. Despite these settlements, several former athletes have vocalized their dissatisfaction, arguing that compensation was disproportionately lower compared to that awarded in other sexual abuse cases, such as the scandal involving former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar, which saw victims receive significantly higher compensation.
The testimony delivered by Jim Jordan symbolizes a pivotal moment in the ongoing narrative surrounding the university’s administration and the culture of silence that has historically surrounded sexual abuse allegations in sports. As both the legal and social aspects of this case continue to unfold, the focus remains on the accountability and structural changes needed to address such serious issues within the athletic community at universities nationwide.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Jim Jordan Testifies Under Oath in Ohio State Scandal
Additional Resources
- Associated Press: Jim Jordan Deposed in Ohio State Abuse Case
- Los Angeles Times: Opinion on Ohio State Wrestling Abuse
- Dayton Daily News: Jim Jordan’s Deposition on Abuse Allegations
- 10TV: Jim Jordan Deposed in Federal Suit
- Ohio Capital Journal: Jim Jordan Knew About Strauss Abuse
- Wikipedia: Jim Jordan
- Google Search: Jim Jordan Ohio State Sexual Abuse
- Google Scholar: Ohio State Sexual Abuse Case Jim Jordan
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sexual Abuse
- Google News: Jim Jordan Ohio State Abuse Lawsuit
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
