Ohio State University has reached a preliminary agreement to pay approximately $100 million to settle legal claims from hundreds of former student athletes who reported being sexually abused by Dr. Richard Strauss. This decision was approved by the university’s Board of Trustees during a meeting on Wednesday.

Background of the Case

The lawsuits, which have been ongoing in federal court since 2018, were filed by former student athletes who accused the university of failing to prevent abuse by Strauss. Strauss was employed at Ohio State from 1978 to 1998 and also operated an off-campus clinic. He passed away in 2005.

An independent report previously concluded that numerous Ohio State personnel were aware of complaints about Strauss’ conduct as early as 1979 but did not take meaningful action for years. This settlement involves all but one of the 280 survivors with claims still in litigation, and once finalized, it could bring closure to a painful chapter in the university’s history.

Statements from University and Survivors

Ohio State’s president, Ravi Bellamkonda, expressed gratitude towards the survivors for their courage in coming forward. “The survivors of the Strauss abuse are all Buckeyes, will always be a part of our family and our community, and I firmly believe that,” Bellamkonda stated during the meeting. He emphasized the importance of reaching a final resolution.

In a joint statement, the university and plaintiffs thanked mediators and indicated that they were working to finalize the settlement details. Ohio State had previously settled with 317 survivors for more than $61 million, with many former student athletes signing sealed agreements to keep their identities confidential. Some victims included former NFL players, according to a lawyer involved in the lawsuits.

Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.