Ohio lawmaker accused of ignoring abuse of Ohio State student-athletes

U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan is being accused of turning a blind eye to abuse that occurred while he was an assistant coach for the Ohio State University wrestling team two decades ago.

The Dispatch reports the team doctor Dr. Richard Strauss is the one accused of abusing student athletes while Jordan allegedly knew of the abuse but did not report it.

Jordan denies all accusations, claiming he “never saw any abuse, never heard about any abuse, and never had any abuse reported to him during his time as a coach at Ohio State,” according to a statement from his spokesperson per The Dispatch.

Former Ohio State wrestler Mike DiSabato was one of three ex-OSU wrestlers who confirmed Jordan’s knowingness to NBC News.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

These three men told NBC News that everyone knew Strauss showered regularly with the students and would touch them inappropriately during appointments.

Since Ohio State launch its own investigation into the abuse allegations, student-athletes from 14 sports have come forward with similar sexual misconduct accusations against Strauss plus patients from Strauss’ private medical practice he ran in Columbus in the 90s.

Strauss died in 2005.

Jordan is a six-term lawmaker and considering running for House Speaker after Paul Ryan retires at the end of this year, reports The Dispatch.

His opponent, Janet Garrett, published this statement on her website:

“Any allegation of sexual abuse against minors—or complicity regarding such abuse—is very serious. That damage cannot be undone. For any teacher, protecting kids is the absolute first priority—and I say that as a former kindergarten teacher. Ohio State has an obligation to get to the bottom of this with a thorough and fair investigation. Jim Jordan has an obligation to cooperate fully with that investigation.”

BROUGHT TO YOU BY