News Summary
U.S. Representative Jim Jordan has testified under oath about allegations of sexual abuse against Ohio State University athletes by former team doctor Dr. Richard Strauss. The deposition is part of a federal lawsuit filed by former athletes claiming OSU failed to act on abuse that allegedly occurred for over two decades. The testimony follows a documentary highlighting the issue and has renewed discussions about accountability within the university. With many survivors seeking justice, the ongoing legal proceedings emphasize the need for transparency and reforms in handling such allegations.
Columbus, Ohio – U.S. Representative Jim Jordan, a Republican from Ohio, has testified under oath regarding allegations of sexual abuse against Ohio State University (OSU) athletes by former team doctor Dr. Richard Strauss. The deposition on July 7, 2023, is part of a federal lawsuit filed by former student-athletes who claim that OSU failed to intervene and prevent the abuse that allegedly spanned over two decades.
Dr. Strauss practiced at OSU from 1978 until his death in 2005 and has been accused by hundreds of former athletes of sexual misconduct, encompassing nearly 1,500 acts of sexual assault according to a 2019 independent report. Many claim that while serving as an assistant wrestling coach from 1986 to 1994, Jordan was aware of the allegations but did not take action to address them.
The deposition follows the airing of the documentary “Surviving Ohio State,” produced by George Clooney and directed by Eva Orner, which significantly spotlighted the claims against Strauss and alleged complicity among coaching staff, including Jordan. The documentary, released on June 17, has reinvigorated public interest and discussion surrounding the university’s handling of sexual abuse claims.
While Jordan’s office has not confirmed the specifics of the deposition, his spokesperson reiterated that he has always denied any knowledge of Strauss’s crimes. Discrepancies in testimonies have arisen, especially as claims from former OSU wrestlers assert that Jordan was indeed aware of the abuse occurring within the wrestling program. Jordan previously participated in an independent investigation related to OSU but had not given testimony under oath until this recent event.
In addition to Jordan, legal representatives for the plaintiffs have also questioned other key figures associated with the case, such as former OSU athletic director Andy Geiger. This extensive inquiry reflects the seriousness of the allegations and the desire for accountability from those in leadership positions during the time of the alleged abuse.
Jordan’s deposition comes at a time when more than 300 survivors of Strauss’s abuse have reached settlements with OSU, averaging around $252,000 each. However, dissatisfaction has emerged among several former athletes regarding the compensation amounts, especially compared to payments made to victims in other high-profile sexual abuse cases, such as that of Larry Nassar. These comparisons add layer to the ongoing discussions about the adequacy of support for survivors and the university’s overall response to these allegations.
Personal accounts from former athletes, like Michael DiSabato, emphasize how awareness of broader abuse scandals led them to recognize their own victimization by Strauss. Such revelations underscore the critical need for transparency and effective action in response to allegations of sexual misconduct at institutions like OSU.
The ongoing legal proceedings, including the testimony of Jordan, serve as crucial steps in unraveling the complexities involved in the Strauss case. The implications of these events resonate deeply within the OSU community and beyond, calling into question the sufficiency of institutional safeguards to protect student athletes from abuse.
As discussions continue, the focus remains on seeking justice for the victims and establishing stronger measures to prevent such abuses in the future. The outcomes of these depositions and accompanying legal actions may not only impact the individuals directly involved but also influence the policies and practices at educational institutions nationwide.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Jim Jordan Testifies in Ohio State Abuse Lawsuit
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 MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee 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 Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
