News Summary
U.S. Representative Jim Jordan provided a deposition regarding allegations against Dr. Richard Strauss, the former OSU doctor accused of sexually abusing student-athletes. The testimony is part of a federal lawsuit filed by former athletes alleging the university failed to prevent the abuse. Despite Jordan’s denials of knowledge, the case remains contentious, especially following a documentary that reignites public scrutiny of OSU’s handling of the allegations. Settlements with victims continue to draw attention to institutional responsibility and accountability.
Columbus, Ohio — Jim Jordan Testifies Under Oath in Ohio State Sexual Abuse Case
U.S. Representative Jim Jordan, a Republican from Ohio, has provided a deposition under oath concerning allegations surrounding Dr. Richard Strauss, a former Ohio State University (OSU) team doctor accused of sexually abusing hundreds of student-athletes during his tenure from 1978 to 1998. The deposition was part of a broader federal lawsuit filed by former OSU athletes who claim that the university failed to adequately address or prevent Strauss’s abuse.
Background of the Allegations and Legal Proceedings
Dr. Richard Strauss, who passed away in 2005, is documented to have committed nearly 1,500 acts of sexual assault during his decades at OSU, according to a 2019 independent report. Many former athletes, including wrestlers and other student-athletes, have accused Strauss of sexual misconduct. These claims include allegations that university officials and staff knew or suspected the abuse but failed to act or disclose the misconduct, raising questions about institutional responsibility.
The current legal proceedings involve a federal lawsuit initiated by former athletes who allege that OSU negligently permitted Strauss’s misconduct to occur, allowing the abuse to continue over two decades. As part of the litigation, several depositions have taken place, including those of university personnel and individuals associated with the case.
Jim Jordan’s Involvement and Testimony
Jordan, who served as an assistant wrestling coach at OSU from 1986 to 1994, has repeatedly denied any knowledge of Strauss’s misconduct during his time at the university. His office has stated that he “never saw or heard of any abuse” and would have taken action if he had been aware. Despite these denials, many former students and wrestlers have publicly accused Jordan of knowing about the abuse and failing to report or stop it.
Jordan’s deposition occurred on July 7, 2023, after initial questioning during OSU’s independent investigation but marks his first formal deposition under oath within the context of this case. The deposition was scheduled weeks in advance, and attorneys representing the plaintiffs questioned him extensively about his awareness and any knowledge he may have had of Strauss’s misconduct.
Recent Developments and Public Discourse
The deposition gained further attention following the broadcast of the documentary “Surviving Ohio State”, aired on HBO and Max on June 17. The film, produced by George Clooney and directed by Eva Orner, presents allegations from former wrestlers claiming Jordan knew of the abuse while coaching at OSU. The documentary has reignited public discussion about the university’s handling of sexual abuse claims and institutional responsibilities.
Other notable figures involved or questioned in the case include OSU’s former athletic director Andy Geiger, who has also been questioned as part of the ongoing legal proceedings. The investigation continues to examine whether university officials took appropriate steps to address and prevent Strauss’s misconduct.
OSU Response and Victims’ Settlements
OSU has settled with nearly 300 victims of Strauss’s abuse, providing an average payout of approximately $252,000. However, some former athletes have expressed dissatisfaction with the compensation, comparing it unfavorably to settlements in other high-profile sexual abuse cases, such as that involving Larry Nassar.
Lawyers for the plaintiffs emphasize that the depositions and proceedings aim to uncover the full scope of knowledge and responses from university officials at the time of Strauss’s misconduct. They also note that some victims and advocates believe more comprehensive action and acknowledgment from OSU are necessary.
Implications and Ongoing Investigations
The revelations surrounding Jim Jordan’s deposition and the documentary’s claims have brought renewed scrutiny to OSU’s handling of the allegations. The case continues to develop as investigators and legal teams examine whether institutional responsibility was adequately addressed during Strauss’s years at the university.
In summary, as the legal process unfolds, questions remain about the extent of awareness among university staff and the adequacy of responses to the abuse allegations. The case highlights broader concerns about institutional accountability in safeguarding student-athletes from abuse and misconduct at college sports programs.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Jim Jordan Questioned Under Oath in Ohio State Sexual 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
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RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake 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 North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
