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Over 100 former Ohio State students have come forward with sexual misconduct allegations against former team doctor, the late Richard Strauss, as the school announced this past Friday.
What happened?
The school has hired an outside firm, Perkins Cole, to conduct an investigation into Richard Strauss after several former wrestlers earlier this year alleged that they were subjected to sexual abuse or harassment. The firm has notably conducted over 200 interviews with former Ohio States students and staff into allegations of abuse that span from 1979 to 1997; the school also confirmed that the firm is in contact with area prosecutors and is expected to conduct at least 100 more interviews. At this time, the firm is not trying to contact the victims directly, in order to avoid bringing up past trauma and impacting their mental health, but it trying to find information from other alumni.
In addition to former patients at Student Health Services, the alleged victims include former athletes from 14 sports: baseball, cheerleading, cross country, fencing, football, gymnastics, ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, swimming, tennis, track, volleyball and wrestling.
According to USA Today, Ohio State president Michael V. Drake released the following statement concerning the case:
“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.”
Who was Richard Strauss?
Strauss passed away in 2005, with his death being ruled a suicide, according to USA Today. Serving around 20 years at Ohio State, including over a decade as a team doctor, he served in multiple roles at the school.
In addition to the allegations directly concerning the school, Strauss was also aleged to have abused patients at a private off-campus medical offical he establised in 1996, all the while he was still working for Ohio State. In addition, there is speculation that victims could have included high school-aged students.
