News Summary
U.S. Representative Jim Jordan was questioned under oath in a federal lawsuit regarding allegations of sexual abuse by former Ohio State University physician Dr. Richard Strauss. The lawsuit, filed by former student-athletes, accuses Strauss of repeated abuse spanning two decades. Jordan’s deposition comes amid scrutiny over his alleged awareness of Strauss’s misconduct while he served as an assistant wrestling coach. With rising public focus on the Strauss scandal and ongoing investigations, the case highlights significant issues of institutional accountability within Ohio State University.
Columbus, Ohio —
U.S. Representative Jim Jordan was formally questioned under oath earlier this year as part of a federal lawsuit involving allegations of sexual abuse by former Ohio State University physician Dr. Richard Strauss. The deposition took place in July, amid ongoing investigations into university misconduct spanning four decades.
The Lawsuit and Allegations
The lawsuit was filed by former student-athletes from Ohio State University who accuse Dr. Richard Strauss of engaging in repeated sexual abuse from 1978 to 1998. Hundreds of athletes have come forward with allegations, asserting Strauss’s inappropriate behavior while he was employed at the university. The former doctor died in 2005, and he has been the focus of numerous accusations over the years.
Jim Jordan’s Role and Testimony
During the period of Strauss’s misconduct, Jim Jordan served as an assistant coach for the Ohio State wrestling team from 1986 to 1994. Some former wrestlers have alleged that Jordan was aware of Strauss’s abusive behavior but did not take action to stop it. These claims have intensified scrutiny on Jordan’s possible knowledge of the misconduct.
In his deposition, Jordan’s legal team reiterated his official denial of any knowledge concerning Strauss’s abuse while he was coaching at Ohio State. It was the first time Jordan testified under oath in relation to the allegations, although he had previously provided statements during the university’s independent review.
Context of the Investigations and Media Coverage
The deposition took place shortly after the release of the documentary “Surviving Ohio State,” which explores the Strauss scandal and is produced by notable filmmaker George Clooney. The documentary aired on HBO and Max starting June 17, drawing public attention to the scandal and highlighting allegations against various university staff and administrators.
Other individuals questioned in connection to the case include plaintiffs Michael Murphy and John Doe 72, as well as Ohio State’s former Athletic Director Andy Geiger. Testimonies from these individuals, along with the documentary’s revelations, have brought increased focus on the extent of the abuse and the institutional response.
Testimony and Alleged Reports of Knowledge
Witnesses have recounted accusations that Jordan was informed of Strauss’s misconduct or inappropriate behavior. Fred Feeney, a former wrestler, claimed to have reported Strauss’s inappropriate actions to Jordan and another coach, who allegedly dismissed his concerns. Conversely, former wrestler Dan Ritchie stated that Jordan downplayed Strauss’s misconduct at the time, though he claimed he would have acted if he had known about the abuse.
The 2019 university investigation uncovered that Strauss assaulted at least 177 students many times during his tenure, with some estimates suggesting thousands of inappropriate acts.
Legal and Public Reactions
Despite widespread allegations, Jim Jordan has not been directly sued in any of the ongoing lawsuits related to the Strauss abuse scandal. His office has declined to confirm specifics about his recent deposition but maintains that he was unaware of Strauss’s misconduct during his time at Ohio State.
Allegations against Jordan gained further attention after some survivors suggested he may have made efforts to deny knowledge of the abuse publicly. One former wrestler reportedly claimed to have had a private conversation with Jordan, during which he alleged Jordan apologized and asked the wrestler to retract certain allegations. Survivors have expressed frustration with the compensation offered by Ohio State, which some believe does not adequately address the extent of the abuse and seek larger payouts similar to those awarded in other abuse cases.
Another survivor, James Snyder-Hill, voiced skepticism regarding Jordan’s honesty during his deposition, reflecting ongoing concerns among victims and advocacy groups about accountability and transparency in the case.
Background Context and Broader Impact
The Strauss allegations have long been a significant chapter in university misconduct cases, drawing national attention to the responsibilities of institutional oversight and athlete protection. The case has led to increased scrutiny of Ohio State University’s handling of abuse claims and efforts towards implementing stronger safeguards for students and athletes.
The deposition of Jim Jordan represents a key development in the ongoing legal and public investigation into the episode, emphasizing the broader issues of institutional accountability and the importance of transparency in addressing long-standing allegations of abuse at Ohio State University.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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
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