Ohio State Wrestling Sexual Abuse and Scandal

Former student-athletes and health service patients claim that officials with the Ohio State University failed to address complaints related to a former team doctor who allegedly sexually abused male student athletes during the 1970s and 1980s.

In April 2018, the Ohio State University announced an investigation “into allegations of sexual misconduct” related to a former team physician, Dr. Richard Strauss. According to an Ohio State University press release, the alleged acts of sexual misconduct and behavior with student-athletes occurred from the mid-1970s through the late-1990s. The university has notified law enforcement and has appointed an independent investigator to look into “each and every allegation.”

Strauss was hired as an assistant professor at the Ohio State University in 1978 and served as the university’s team doctor from 1981 through 1995. He retired in 1998. Strauss had contact with a number of student athletes, including those who participated in baseball, cheerleading, cross country, fencing, football, gymnastics, ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, swimming, tennis, track, volleyball, and wrestling.

Although Strauss killed himself in 2005, several student-athletes claim other members of the athletic department failed to act when complaints about Strauss’ behavior was identified.

According to the university, the investigation includes “outreach to former student-athletes, coaches and others who may have been affected or may have had knowledge of these alleged incidents.”

Confidential reports indicate that male student-athletes in 14 sports and former patients of Student Health Services within the Office of Student Life at Ohio State claim that Strauss committed sexual misconduct while employed at the university.

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If you or someone you know has been subjected to sexual assault, abuse or harassment while enrolled at the Ohio State University, contact Attorney Group for more information about your options.

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