Ohio State Pays $61 Million to 317 Richard Strauss Survivors

Jim Jordan still claims he knew nothing about the decades of abuse

Apr. 17, 2026 at 8:22pm

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A softly blurred, atmospheric photograph in warm tones depicting an empty university hallway or locker room, with a sense of unease and a hint of movement in the background, conceptually representing the lingering shadows of a troubled past.The shadows of a troubled past linger in the halls of Ohio State, as the university grapples with the devastating legacy of abuse and institutional failure.Columbus Today

Ohio State University has now paid $61 million to 317 survivors of abuse by former university physician Richard Strauss, who tormented student athletes over a 20-year period from 1978 to 1998. Despite survivors saying they reported the abuse to coaches, including former wrestling coach Jim Jordan, Jordan has repeatedly insisted he knew nothing about the scandal.

Why it matters

This case highlights the devastating impact of institutional failures to protect vulnerable students, as well as the ongoing questions about the responsibility of those in positions of power who may have turned a blind eye to the abuse. The staggering financial and human toll underscores the need for accountability and transparency.

The details

Strauss worked as a university-employed physician from 1978 to 1998, during which time he abused student athletes. Survivors have said they reported the abuse to university officials and coaches, including Jim Jordan, who was a wrestling coach at Ohio State during that period. However, Jordan has repeatedly denied any knowledge of the abuse. The scandal became public in 2018 when Ohio State received a report from a former student and launched an investigation.

  • Strauss worked at Ohio State from 1978 to 1998.
  • The scandal became public in 2018 when Ohio State launched an investigation.
  • Ohio State has now paid $61 million to 317 survivors as of April 2026.

The players

Richard Strauss

A former university-employed physician at Ohio State who abused student athletes over a 20-year period from 1978 to 1998.

Jim Jordan

A former wrestling coach at Ohio State during the period of Strauss's abuse, who has repeatedly denied any knowledge of the abuse despite survivors' claims that they reported it to him.

Ohio State University

The institution that employed Strauss and has now paid $61 million to 317 survivors of his abuse.

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What’s next

The case continues, with hundreds more plaintiffs still in the queue to seek compensation from Ohio State for the abuse they suffered.

The takeaway

This case highlights the devastating impact of institutional failures to protect vulnerable students, as well as the ongoing questions about the responsibility of those in positions of power who may have turned a blind eye to the abuse. The staggering financial and human toll underscores the need for accountability and transparency to ensure such failures never happen again.