Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio is set to be deposed on October 6, 2023, regarding serious allegations linked to the sexual abuse scandal at Ohio State University (OSU). The deposition follows lawsuits filed by former students who claim that Jordan, during his time as an assistant wrestling coach from 1986 to 1994, failed to protect wrestlers from abuse perpetrated by the team’s doctor, Richard Strauss.
This will mark the first occasion Jordan is questioned under oath by attorneys representing hundreds of plaintiffs suing OSU for damages in federal court in the Southern District of Ohio. Although Jordan is not a defendant in these lawsuits, he is mentioned in claims suggesting he was aware of Strauss’s abusive actions.
Jordan, currently the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, is known for his direct interrogation style and his close ties to former President Donald Trump. He has consistently denied any knowledge of abuse, stating through spokesperson Russell Dye that he “never saw or heard of any abuse, and if he had, he would have dealt with it.”
The deposition comes approximately one month after the release of the HBO Max documentary titled “Surviving Ohio State,” which featured former wrestlers accusing Jordan of dishonesty regarding his awareness of Strauss’s actions. One of these accusers, Mike DiSabato, who initially raised alarms about Jordan’s inaction, expressed skepticism about Jordan’s forthcoming statements, predicting he would maintain the same denial he has held since 2018.
DiSabato, who previously settled with OSU, remarked, “I assume he’s going to triple down and follow the same script he followed back in 2018.” He hopes Jordan will acknowledge Strauss’s inappropriate medical exams and the broader awareness of the abuse within the university community.
Another survivor, Steve Snyder-Hill, plans to observe the deposition from his attorney’s office in Columbus. Snyder-Hill, who alleges he was abused by Strauss in 1995, stated, “I expect him to lie under oath.” He further articulated disbelief at Jordan’s claims of ignorance, given their close physical proximity during Strauss’s tenure.
The scandal surrounding Strauss has had far-reaching implications. He worked at OSU from 1978 to 1998 and was implicated in over 1,400 sexual assaults and 47 rapes. An independent investigation led by the Perkins Coie law firm concluded that university officials, including coaches and athletic administrators, were aware of the abuse yet failed to act for decades.
In recent years, OSU has settled claims related to Strauss’s misconduct, paying out a total of $60 million in damages. However, the university has since retracted any admissions of wrongdoing, asserting that no liability was acknowledged in the settlements. As of October 2023, OSU continues to face at least five active lawsuits from 236 men alleging sexual abuse by Strauss.
The legal battles surrounding the case have intensified, particularly following a ruling from the Supreme Court that allows former students to pursue legal action against OSU. This decision has opened the door for further questioning of university employees, including Jordan, about their knowledge of Strauss’s abuse.
Jordan’s former communications director, Ian Fury, claimed that the Perkins Coie report exonerated Jordan, noting that it did not identify any evidence that Jordan or his colleagues were aware of complaints about Strauss. However, the names of many coaches and administrators were redacted in the report made public.
As the deposition approaches, the focus remains on whether Jordan will change his narrative or continue to deny any wrongdoing or awareness of the abuse that occurred during his tenure at OSU. The outcome of this deposition may have significant implications for both Jordan and the ongoing legal proceedings against Ohio State University.
