Rep. Jim Jordan to be deposed in connection with Ohio State University sex abuse scandal

Rep. Jim Jordan from Ohio is set to be deposed on Friday regarding accusations that he neglected to protect the wrestlers he coached at Ohio State University from a sexual predator. Four plaintiffs involved in lawsuits against the university informed NBC News about the deposition. Jordan, who served as an assistant wrestling coach at Ohio State from 1986 to 1994 before entering politics, has consistently denied any knowledge of wrongdoing by the team’s doctor, Richard Strauss.

This deposition marks the first occasion that Jordan will face questioning under oath by attorneys representing hundreds of former students suing Ohio State for damages in federal court. While Jordan is not named as a defendant, he is mentioned in various lawsuits alleging he was aware of the abuse occurring at the university. As the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, Jordan is a prominent figure within the Republican Party, known for his aggressive questioning style.

Recently, his spokesperson reiterated that Jordan had no prior knowledge of abuse, asserting, “if he had, he would have dealt with it.”

Among those pushing for accountability is Mike DiSabato, a former wrestler who was the first to publicly accuse Jordan of ignoring the abuse by Strauss. He expressed skepticism about Jordan’s upcoming testimony, fearing he may not provide any new information beyond his previous denials. Jordan will be questioned about a month after the release of an HBO Max documentary titled “Surviving Ohio State,” which features allegations against him.

Steve Snyder-Hill, another victim of Strauss’s abuse, stated his expectation that Jordan would lie during the deposition. The scandal surrounding Strauss has prompted multiple lawsuits against OSU, highlighting the responsibility of those in leadership positions, including coaches and administrators who allegedly were aware of the abuse but failed to act. As the legal landscape continues to evolve, former university employees are set to be questioned in pursuit of justice for the victims.