Full Breakdown
Former Ohio State Football Players Join Class Action Over Dr. Richard Strauss Abuse
5/8/2026, 7:17:38 AM
New Plaintiffs and Allegations
Thirty former Ohio State football players, including more than a dozen NFL veterans, have signed letters to join the class-action suit alleging that team doctor Richard Strauss sexually abused them during required physical exams. Only Al Washington, Ray Ellis and Keith Ferguson—members of the 1980 Rose Bowl team—have publicly identified themselves; all are 67.
Background of the Strauss Scandal
Strauss served as Ohio State’s athletic physician from 1978 to 1998 and died by suicide in 2005. A Perkins Coie investigation released in May 2019 found he abused at least 177 male athletes and that university officials knew of the misconduct as early as 1979 but failed to act. Federal suits have been pending since 2018.
Timeline & Statistics
1978-1998: Strauss employed at OSU. 1979: First internal complaints. 2005: Strauss dies. 2018: Federal suits filed; OSU settles with 317 survivors for $61 million. May 2019: Perkins Coie report finds >=177 victims. May 7 2026: Thirty former football players (12+ NFL veterans, three public) join the suit. Early May 2026: Judge Michael Watson permits economic-damage claims beyond tuition. Totals: 30 new plaintiffs, 317 settled survivors, $61 million paid, 236 men in active suits, >500 claimants overall.
Official Statements & Responses
Ohio State spokesperson Ben Johnson said the university has “sincerely and persistently tried to reconcile with survivors…through settlements, counseling services and other medical treatment” and remains in mediation. Plaintiff-attorney Rocky Ratliff warned that many victims “still suffer in silence” and criticized the focus on settlement totals.
Criticism & Opposition
Ratliff’s remarks underscore frustration that OSU emphasizes monetary settlements while many survivors remain unheard. Rep. Jim Jordan, former assistant wrestling coach (1986-1994), denies knowledge of Strauss’s abuse. Survivors also demand removal of Les Wexner’s name from the athletic facility over his alleged Epstein ties.
On-the-Ground Accounts
Al Washington described “unlawful” genital exams at age 18-19 and said the 2025 documentary revived trauma he had suppressed. He feared retaliation and worried about his son’s coaching career.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The university cites 317 settled survivors, yet over 500 claimants have filed and the Perkins Coie report identifies at least 177 victims, leaving the total number uncertain.
Verbatim Quotes
- “tearful and living with it,” — Rocky Ratliff, attorney and former OSU wrestler
- “I love Ohio State, but I want Ohio State to take some accountability for what happened to us,” — Al Washington, former linebacker
- “But it was really uncomfortable,” — Al Washington, former linebacker
- “Since 2018, Ohio State has sincerely and persistently tried to reconcile with survivors, including former football student-athletes, through monetary and non-monetary means, including settlements, counseling services and other medical treatment,” — Ben Johnson, Ohio State spokesperson
What’s Next
The case proceeds in the Southern District of Ohio, with mediation ongoing and the possibility of additional economic-damage awards after Judge Watson’s ruling. Plaintiffs say more former athletes may join.
