Over 100 former Ohio State students have accused former physician Richard Strauss of sexual misconduct, the school announced on Friday.
The allegations against Strauss, who committed suicide in 2005, were made by male athletes from 14 different sports, as well as patients who saw the doctor at Ohio State’s student health center and his off-campus office. Strauss’ accusers say they first reported his sexual misconduct in 1978, but he was employed by the university until 1997.
Ohio State president Michael V. Drake says the school is “steadfastly committed to uncovering the truth”:
“We are grateful to those who have come forward and remain deeply concerned for anyone who may have been affected by Dr. Strauss’ actions. We remain steadfastly committed to uncovering the truth.”
A former wrestler who was allegedly abused by Strauss told NBC News that the university’s announcement was “one of sadness for the victims and their families and yet great hope that the truth will come to light.”
The scandal has spread to the corridors of power in Washington, where Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), who was an assistant wrestling coach at Ohio State during the period of alleged abuse, has been accused by eight former wrestlers of ignoring allegations. However, Jordan denies any knowledge of Strauss’ misconduct.
Jordan called the police and claimed he was being “bullied” after receiving an email from an accuser. The Ohio Republican has also lashed out at the media for looking into the claims of his inaction. Jordan reportedly met with investigators on Monday to discuss his knowledge of the scandal that has drawn comparisons to Jerry Sandusky’s decades of child abuse at Penn State.