Jim Jordan Faces Renewed Scrutiny Over Allegations of Inaction in Ohio State Wrestling Abuse Scandal Involving 48 Students

U.S. Representative Jim Jordan is facing renewed public scrutiny regarding allegations that he was aware of sexual abuse perpetrated by former Ohio State University team doctor Richard Strauss during his tenure as an assistant wrestling coach. A recent social media post by Adam Cochran directly challenged Jordan, stating, > "When you were the Ohio State Wrestling Coach, 48 of your team’s students were sexually abused by the team’s doctor and you did nothing. Including multiple students saying you knew it had happened and remained silent."

The Ohio State University abuse scandal, which occurred between 1978 and 1998, involved Dr. Richard Strauss, who was employed as a physician in the Athletics Department and Student Health Center. An independent investigation in 2019 concluded that Strauss abused at least 177 male student-patients, with 48 of those being members of the men's wrestling team. The university has since paid over $60 million in settlements to 296 survivors.

Former wrestlers, including Mike DiSabato and Dunyasha Yetts, have consistently asserted that Jordan, an assistant coach from 1987 to 1995, was aware of Strauss's misconduct. Yetts notably stated that Strauss's locker was adjacent to Jordan's, suggesting close proximity to the alleged activities. Another former wrestler, Dan Ritchie, claimed in the recent HBO documentary "Surviving Ohio State" that Jordan once said, "If (Strauss) ever did that to me, I’d snap his neck like a stick of dry balsa wood," implying knowledge of Strauss's reputation.

Despite these accusations, Jordan has repeatedly and publicly denied any knowledge of the abuse, with his spokesperson Russell Dye stating, "Chairman Jordan never saw or heard of any abuse, and if he had, he would have dealt with it." However, former wrestlers like DiSabato have expressed skepticism, anticipating Jordan will maintain his denials under oath. Retired wrestling referee Fred Feeney also alleged in the documentary that he directly warned Jordan and then-head coach Russ Hellickson about Strauss's behavior, only to be dismissed by Jordan.

The controversy continues to unfold with the recent release of the HBO documentary "Surviving Ohio State," which features testimonies from former wrestlers who accuse Jordan of knowing about the abuse. Jordan is also expected to be deposed in ongoing lawsuits against the university, marking the first time he will be questioned under oath by lawyers representing hundreds of former OSU students. These developments keep the long-standing allegations against the current House Judiciary Committee chairman in the public and legal spotlight.