Rep. Jim Jordan Testifies in Ohio State Abuse Lawsuit

Columbus, Ohio – Republican U.S. Representative Jim Jordan was questioned under oath in July as part of a federal lawsuit involving former student-athletes from Ohio State University. The lawsuit raises serious allegations against the university concerning its failure to halt sexual abuse committed by former team doctor Richard Strauss from 1978 to 1998.

The deposition of Jordan, who worked as an assistant wrestling coach at Ohio State from 1986 to 1994, comes amid extensive abuse claims involving hundreds of athletes. Strauss, who passed away in 2005, has been accused of sexually abusing athletes during his time with the university. The investigation of these claims indicates that Strauss assaulted at least 177 students on numerous occasions while employed at Ohio State.

During the recent deposition, Jordan’s office reiterated previous statements denying any knowledge of Strauss’s long-term abuse. This marks Jordan’s first time testifying under oath in relation to the scandal, although he has previously been questioned in an independent investigation conducted by the university. In light of this case, other individuals, including former Ohio State Athletic Director Andy Geiger and plaintiffs Michael Murphy and John Doe 72, have also been questioned.

The scrutiny surrounding Jordan intensified with the airing of a new documentary titled Surviving Ohio State, produced by George Clooney, which launched on June 17. This documentary sheds light on the Strauss scandal and includes accusations against Jordan, implying he may have been aware of the abuse while failing to act.

Witness testimony has played a critical role in substantiating these claims. For instance, one former wrestler recalled reporting Strauss’s inappropriate conduct directly to Jordan and another coach, yet their concerns were reportedly dismissed. Another ex-wrestler described Jordan as minimizing Strauss’s actions, despite Jordan’s claims that he would have intervened if he had been aware of the situation.

While Jordan has not been directly implicated in any lawsuits linked to the abuse allegations aimed at the university, the controversy surrounding his involvement continues to draw attention. Accusations escalated after a former wrestler suggested that Jordan had asked him to retract his allegations, further complicating his public stance on the issue.

The lawsuit and the surrounding discussions have also prompted criticism from survivors regarding Ohio State’s compensation measures. Many victims have expressed dissatisfaction with the payouts offered, demanding higher amounts that align with compensation seen in other notable abuse cases.

Survivor James Snyder-Hill voiced skepticism regarding Jordan’s credibility during the deposition, a sentiment shared by others affected by Strauss’s abuse. The ongoing discourse about accountability and justice continues to resonate within the community, raising essential questions about the institutional response to abuse allegations over the decades.

As the lawsuit progresses, the focus remains on uncovering the truth surrounding the allegations and assessing the implications for those involved, including Jordan. The case has become a significant part of discussions about athlete safety and institutional responsibilities in universities across the nation.