News Summary
U.S. Representative Jim Jordan was questioned under oath in connection with a federal lawsuit surrounding sexual abuse allegations involving former Ohio State University doctor Richard Strauss. The suit claims that Ohio State failed to act on numerous reports of misconduct by Strauss, who abused countless student-athletes over his lengthy tenure. Despite allegations that Jordan was aware of the abuse during his time at the university, he maintains his ignorance regarding Strauss’s actions, which have drawn significant public scrutiny and legal implications.
Columbus, Ohio – Jim Jordan Questioned Under Oath in Ohio State Sexual Abuse Lawsuit
U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan, a Republican representative from Ohio, was formally questioned under oath in July as part of a federal lawsuit involving former Ohio State University student-athletes. The lawsuit alleges that Ohio State failed to prevent widespread sexual abuse by former doctor Richard Strauss, who served at the university from 1978 to 1998. Strauss, who died in 2005, is accused of abusing hundreds of athletes during his nearly two-decade tenure.
Details of the Lawsuit and Allegations
The legal case claims that Ohio State University knew or should have known about Strauss’s misconduct but did not take appropriate action to stop it. Hundreds of former student-athletes have come forward with accusations that Strauss committed sexual abuse, which allegedly included inappropriate touching and assault. The university’s 2019 independent investigation found Strauss had assaulted at least 177 students multiple times over the years, with some reports indicating thousands of instances of misconduct.
Jim Jordan’s Connection to Ohio State and the Allegations
Jim Jordan served as an assistant wrestling coach at Ohio State from 1986 to 1994, a period overlapping with Strauss’s time at the university. Several former wrestlers and witnesses have accused Jordan of being aware of Strauss’s inappropriate behavior but failing to act. During the deposition, Jordan’s office reiterated his denial of any knowledge of the abuse, maintaining that he was unaware of Strauss’s misconduct during his tenure at the university.
This deposition marks Jordan’s first sworn testimony regarding the scandal. Previously, he was questioned as part of Ohio State’s independent investigation, but he had not testified under oath until July. The questioning took place amid heightened scrutiny following the release of a documentary titled “Surviving Ohio State,” produced by George Clooney. The documentary, which debuted on HBO and Max on June 17, highlights the Strauss scandal and includes allegations that Jordan was aware of the abuse but did not intervene.
Key Witnesses and Testimonies
Several individuals have provided sworn statements and testimonies related to the case. Witness Fred Feeney recounts reporting Strauss’s inappropriate behavior directly to Jordan and another coaching staff member, who dismissed his concerns. Another former wrestler, Dan Ritchie, asserts that Jordan downplayed Strauss’s conduct, although Ritchie claimed he believed Jordan would have taken action if he had been aware of the abuse at the time.
Additional individuals questioned include plaintiffs Michael Murphy, identified as John Doe 72, and former Ohio State Athletic Director Andy Geiger. These testimonies are part of ongoing legal proceedings aimed at uncovering the extent of knowledge and actions taken concerning Strauss’s misconduct.
Public and Survivor Reactions
The controversy surrounding Jordan intensified following reports that a former wrestler claimed to have a conversation with him, where he allegedly asked the wrestler to retract accusations of knowledge about Strauss’s behavior. Some survivors of Strauss’s abuse have criticized Ohio State’s compensation offers, stating that the payouts are insufficient compared to other abuse cases. They are seeking higher compensation amounts, emphasizing their desire for justice and acknowledgment.
Legal and Political Implications
Although Jim Jordan has not been directly sued in the lawsuits filed against Ohio State regarding Strauss’s conduct, the allegations have brought scrutiny to his role during the period of the abuse. His office has declined to confirm details about his deposition but continues to deny any awareness of the misconduct. The case remains ongoing as more testimony is expected, including evidence that could clarify the extent of Jordan’s knowledge and involvement.
Background Context
The Strauss scandal represents one of the most significant cases of sexual abuse within a university setting, revealing failures in oversight and communication. The scandal has prompted widespread criticism of Ohio State University’s handling of the abuse claims and has heightened awareness of abuse prevention at athletic programs nationwide. The case underscores the importance of accountability and transparency in preventing future misconduct in educational and athletic institutions.
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Additional Resources
- AP News: Jim Jordan Deposition in Ohio State Abuse Case
- Los Angeles Times: Opinion on Ohio State Wrestling Sex Abuse
- Dayton Daily News: Jordan Forced to Answer Questions in Deposition
- Meadville Tribune: Jim Jordan Deposed in Federal Suit
- NBC4i: Rep. Jim Jordan to be Questioned Under Oath
- Wikipedia: Richard Strauss (Doctor)
- Google Search: Jim Jordan Ohio State Abuse Scandal
- Google Scholar: Ohio State Sexual Abuse
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sexual Abuse
- Google News: Ohio State University Jim Jordan
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, 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 regional 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 National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
