Ohio State team doctor Richard Strauss death: 100 ex-students report sex misconduct by physician

Over 200 ex-students and university employees interviewed by investigators reviewing claims against Richard Strauss involving male athletes from 14 sports

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This file photo shows a 1978 employment application information for Dr. Richard Strauss, from Ohio State University personnel files. Strauss, who died in 2005, has been accused of sexual misconduct by former college student athletes. Ohio State says the firm conducting an independent investigation also is reviewing whether Strauss examined high school students. Photo: AP

Published: 11:02am, 21 Jul 2018Updated: 11:02am, 21 Jul 2018

More than 100 former students have provided first-hand accounts of sexual misconduct by the now-dead Ohio State University team doctor at the centre of an ongoing investigation, the university said on Friday.

Over 200 former students and university employees have been confidentially interviewed by independent investigators reviewing allegations against Richard Strauss involving male athletes from 14 sports as well as his work at the student health centre and his off-campus medical office, University President Michael Drake said.

Those allegations range from 1979 to 1997, during most of Strauss’ two decades on the faculty and medical staff. Many of the accusers who have spoken publicly allege Strauss groped them or conducted unnecessary genital exams.

“We are grateful to those who have come forward and remain deeply concerned for anyone who may have been affected by Dr. Strauss’ actions,” Drake said. “We remain steadfastly committed to uncovering the truth.”

Former Ohio State University student Steve Snyder-Hill discusses a complaint he submitted decades ago about the behaviour of Dr. Richard Strauss, during an interview at home in Columbus, Ohio. A law firm is investigating claims about sexual abuse by the now-dead physician and what Ohio State knew at the time. Photo: AP

Ohio State has urged anyone with information to contact the Seattle-based law firm Perkins Coie’s investigators, who are looking into the allegations, what university officials knew and how they responded to any concerns about Strauss. They also are reviewing whether Strauss examined high school students.