An investigative report says a now-dead Ohio State team doctor, Richard Strauss, sexually abused at least 177 male students over nearly two decades, and university officials knew what he was doing and did little to stop him
COLUMBUS, Ohio — A now-dead Ohio State team doctor sexually abused at least 177 male students over nearly two decades, and numerous university officials got wind of what was going on but did little to stop him, according to a report released by the school Friday. Dr. Richard Strauss groped or ogled young men from 1979 to 1997, nearly his entire time at Ohio State while treating athletes from at least 16 sports and working at the student health center and his off-campus clinic, investigators from a law firm hired by the university found. »We are so sorry that this happened, » Ohio State President Michael Drake said at a news conference, calling the matter a « consistent institutional failure » that spanned years. He said the university « fell short of its responsibility to its students, and that’s regrettable and inexcusable. »At the same time, Drake sought to distance Ohio State from what happened more than two decades ago: « This is not the university of today. »The report on Strauss, who took his life in 2005, could cost Ohio State dearly by corroborating the lawsuits brought against it by a multitude of victims. The findings put Strauss in a league with gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar of Michigan State University, who was accused of molesting at least 250 women and girls and is serving what amounts to a life sentence. Michigan State ultimately agreed to a $500 million settlement with his victims. Many of Strauss’ accusers who have spoken publicly said they were masturbated or otherwise touched inappropriately during physical exams or leered at in the locker rooms. Many told investigators that they thought his behavior was an « open secret » and that they believed their coaches, trainers and other team doctors knew about it. The students described the examinations as being « hazed » or going through a « rite of passage. » Athletes joked about Strauss’ behavior, referring to him with nicknames like « Dr.
