Columbus, Ohio – Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) is answering questions under oath related to the Richard Strauss sexual abuse scandal tied to Ohio State University, according to sources from Nexstar’s WCMH.
The deposition marks a significant moment in a long-standing sexual abuse scandal involving Strauss, a former physician at Ohio State. It’s been seven years since the first lawsuit was filed against the university.
Jordan is expected to testify in Washington on Friday. Former Ohio State Athletics Director Andy Geiger shared his own testimony in Los Angeles on Wednesday.
Both Jordan and Geiger are being questioned as part of a civil lawsuit against the university. While neither has faced criminal charges, many are interested in what they might know about Strauss’s conduct.
A spokesperson for Jordan reiterated his previous statement, asserting that he was unaware of any abuse, claiming that if he had known, he would have acted on it.
Ohio State’s legal team has also questioned some of the survivors, implying that Strauss was aware of his wrongdoing and, in some cases, facilitated it. Survivors have recounted their trauma, alleging that Strauss not only sexually abused them but also drugged them. The survivors expressed their anger upon discovering that Strauss’s actions spanned nearly two decades, with claims that university officials, including coaches, were aware of the situation.
Several former wrestlers and even a judge have come forward to voice their experiences related to Strauss. They have requested that Jordan, who was an assistant wrestling coach during the time, be held accountable.
Recently, an HBO documentary focused on the Strauss scandal was released. The documentary highlighted the experiences of survivors and aimed to shed light on this troubling history, though Ohio State was not involved in its production.
For decades, survivors remained silent about their trauma, but many began speaking out in 2018. Hundreds are still pursuing lawsuits in federal court against the university in connection to the abuse.
An Ohio State University spokesperson previously remarked, “Ohio has taken steps to investigate and bring to light Richard Strauss’s actions. We deeply regret the suffering caused to all who endured his abuse. We are thankful to the survivors who took part in the independent inquiry. Since 2018, over half of the plaintiffs have settled, with arrangements totaling more than $60 million for 296 survivors. The university continues to offer counseling services and treatments for those affected.”
