Ohio State Investigates Sexual-Misconduct Allegations Against Doctor Who Worked With at Least 8 Sports Teams

Ohio State University is investigating reports that a former sports doctor allegedly engaged in sexual misconduct with student athletes, according to a university statement.

The university announced an investigation of allegations made against Richard H. Strauss, who worked at the university from the mid-1970s to the 1990s, in April after allegations surfaced about the physician. Strauss died in 2005. Now the investigation has been referred to the Columbus Division of Police and the Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, according to the university’s statement.

A man originally came to the university with an allegation that he and others had “experienced sexual misconduct” by Strauss, according to the statement.

During his time at the university, Strauss worked with male athletes on at least eight varsity sports teams. He also worked at the university’s student-health center and medical center.

“To date, the investigative team has received confidential reports from former Ohio State varsity men student-athletes affiliated with cheerleading, fencing, football, gymnastics, ice hockey, swimming, volleyball, and wrestling,” the university statement says.

The statement says the university will release the outcome of the investigation when it is complete. Relatives of Strauss did not return calls from The Columbus Dispatch, the newspaper reported.