In May 2026, thirty former Ohio State football players, including several former NFL players, have agreed to join a federal lawsuit against the university involving allegations of sexual abuse by former team doctor, Dr. Richard Strauss. It was reported that the men are joining an existing lawsuit filed by other former student-athletes who say they were victims of Strauss during his time at Ohio State.
Strauss worked at Ohio State from 1978 to 1998 and died in 2005. The university has faced lawsuits in federal court since 2018 from former student-athletes who allege Ohio State failed to stop Strauss-related abuse while he was employed by the school.
Former Players Say Shame and Fear Delayed Coming Forward
An attorney told reporters that the men came forward years after the first lawsuit was filed because they had to work through the shame of discussing alleged male-to-male sexual abuse and the fear of publicly challenging a major university.
Only three of the 30 former players have agreed to be publicly identified: Al Washington, Ray Ellis, and Keith Ferguson. All three were members of Ohio State’s 1980 Rose Bowl team and played under former coach Woody Hayes. Washington later played for the New York Jets, Ellis played for the Philadelphia Eagles and Cleveland Browns, and Ferguson played for teams including the San Diego Chargers and Detroit Lions.
Their decision to come forward highlights a reality many male survivors face: sexual harm can be difficult to name, discuss, or report, especially when stigma, masculinity, sports culture, or institutional pressure are involved.
Ohio State Says It Has Settled With 317 Survivors
Ohio State said in a statement that it has tried to reconcile with survivors through monetary and non-monetary support, including settlements, counseling services, and medical treatment.
On April 15, 2026, Ohio State announced that it had reached settlement agreements with 317 survivors for more than $61 million. The university said those settlements were in addition to earlier agreements announced between 2020 and 2026 and that it remains involved in mediation.
Ohio State’s Strauss investigation page also states that the university condemns Strauss’ conduct and the university’s failure at the time to prevent the abuse.
The newly added former football players may expand public attention on the case, especially because several had professional sports careers and many chose to remain anonymous. Confidentiality can be important for victims and survivors who want to explore legal options without having their names become public.
What Survivors Can Learn From the Ohio State Case
The Ohio State lawsuit is a reminder that survivors do not have to come forward on anyone else’s timeline. Some people speak up immediately. Others wait years or decades. Both responses are valid.
Survivors may have several options, depending on the facts of their situation and the laws in their state. These may include reporting to law enforcement, filing a civil lawsuit, reporting a licensed professional to a medical or professional board, or connecting with trauma-informed support services.
A civil lawsuit is different from a criminal case. In a civil case, a victim may seek financial compensation and accountability from an individual, institution, workplace, school, medical provider, youth organization, or other entity that may have allowed harm to occur. Civil cases can also reveal patterns that may help protect others.
Get Legal Help From Helping Survivors
If you experienced sexual abuse, assault, or harassment involving a school, sports program, or other institution, Helping Survivors may be able to help you understand your rights and resources.
Helping Survivors may be able to help you explore whether a civil lawsuit or another accountability option is available. Our team works to provide clear information, survivor-centered support, and connections to experienced legal professionals when appropriate.
Contact Helping Survivors today to learn more about your legal options and the resources that may support your path forward.
