Jim Jordan on Ohio State Wrestling
TL;DR
Jim Jordan strongly denies having any knowledge of the sexual abuse committed by the former Ohio State wrestling team doctor.
Key Points
Served as an assistant coach for the Ohio State wrestling program between 1987 and 1995.
His office reiterated his denial of awareness of Dr. Richard Strauss’s crimes after he was deposed in July 2025.
Four former wrestlers named him as a defendant in a lawsuit against the university concerning the abuse scandal.
Summary
Jim Jordan, during his tenure as an assistant coach for the Ohio State University wrestling program from 1987 to 1995, is at the center of allegations regarding the sexual misconduct of team physician Dr. Richard Strauss. Following an independent investigation that confirmed Strauss abused 177 students, many former wrestlers publicly stated that Jordan must have been aware of the abuse given its frequency, yet failed to report it or act.
His office has consistently denied any awareness of the crimes, stating that if he had known, he would have dealt with the situation immediately. The controversy resurfaced publicly with the release of a documentary in mid-2025, and Jordan was subsequently deposed under oath in a federal lawsuit brought by former student-athletes against the university. He has also previously described accusers bringing forward claims as being "pawns in a political plot."
Key Quotes
If he ever did that to me, I'd snap his neck like a stick of dry balsa wood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Jim Jordan's position on the historical context of Ohio State Wrestling is defined by his defense against allegations related to the sexual abuse scandal. He maintains that he was unaware of the abuse committed by team physician Dr. Richard Strauss during his time as an assistant coach.
The record indicates that Jim Jordan has consistently denied knowledge of the abuse, both when the allegations first surfaced and more recently. His current stance mirrors his past statements: a firm denial of seeing or hearing about any misconduct by the team doctor.
Jim Jordan has consistently denied wrongdoing regarding the sexual misconduct scandal involving former Ohio State team doctor Richard Strauss. He has stated that if he had known about any abuse, he would have taken action against it.
Sources3
Republican Jim Jordan deposed in federal suit tied to sex abuse by late Ohio State team doctor
Jim Jordan - Wikipedia
Thoughts on the HBO Documentary Surviving Ohio State? : r/wrestling
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.