Lawsuits over team doctor’s sexual abuse against Ohio State can proceed as Supreme Court denies review

The Supreme Court declined to review a ruling by the Sixth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, allowing more than 230 men to move forward with their lawsuits against Ohio State University regarding sexual abuse committed by the late Richard Strauss, a university doctor.

Among a list of cases that the court refused to hear, two cases involving the abuse were included. As is customary, the court did not provide any comment on its decision.

Ohio State University had requested the court to review the Sixth Circuit’s ruling, which reinstated the previously dismissed lawsuits. The plaintiffs, consisting of former student-athletes and alumni, claim to have suffered abuse at the hands of Strauss, who was employed by the university from 1978 to 1998.

Allegedly, the university failed to intervene despite receiving complaints dating back to the late 1970s. Many of the victims assert that the abuse occurred during mandatory physicals and medical exams conducted at various athletic facilities on campus, as well as at a student health center, Strauss’ residence, and an off-campus clinic.

Strauss died by suicide in 2005 at the age of 67. In 2018, Ohio State University initiated an investigation into his abuse and the university’s handling of the matter. The institution has since apologized to the victims and reached settlements exceeding $60 million with at least 296 individuals.

However, the university subsequently sought to dismiss the remaining unresolved cases, arguing that the claims had exceeded the statute of limitations.

The plaintiffs contended that their claims were timely filed, asserting that the statute of limitations began only when the 2018 investigation exposed Strauss’ misconduct. They claim this was the first time they became aware that the university had knowledge of Strauss’ abuse and failed to protect them. According to their attorneys, many victims were only made aware during this period that they had been subjected to abuse, as Strauss had disguised his actions as medical care.

The plaintiffs’ lawyers expressed satisfaction with the Supreme Court’s decision not to review the cases, stating, “We anticipate returning to the trial court, where our clients’ narratives will be heard, and further evidence of OSU’s extensive cover-up of Dr. Strauss’s repeated predatory behavior will be gathered.”

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More about sexual abuse lawsuits

• Supreme Court lets lawsuits over team doctor’s sexual abuse proceed against Ohio State
• Ohio State Sexual Abuse Scandal
• Ohio State University
• Sixth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals
• Statute of Limitations
• Ohio State University’s investigation into Richard Strauss
• Ohio State University settlements with victims