Surviving Ohio State

Surviving Ohio State is a powerful documentary series that sheds light on the shocking and disturbing case of Dr. Richard Strauss, a sports medicine physician who worked at The Ohio State University for almost 20 years, between 1978 and 1998. During his tenure, Strauss allegedly preyed on hundreds of student-athletes, using his position of power to exploit and abuse them sexually, often in the guise of providing medical treatment. The documentary series delves into the decades-long scandal, which came to light in 2018 when The Associated Press published a report alleging widespread abuse by Strauss. The report was based on interviews with 162 male student-athletes from 14 sports at Ohio State, who shared horrific accounts of Strauss's abuse. The survivors' stories are the heart of the documentary series, and their bravery in speaking out is truly admirable. They recount how Strauss would often request unnecessary strip searches, and even perform invasive medical procedures, such as rectal exams, under the guise of treating various medical conditions, including skin conditions, ingrown toenails, and asthma. In some cases, Strauss would allegedly touch his genitals in front of the students, or even ask them to pose in the nude. One of the survivors, Nick Saban, a former football player at Ohio State, recounts how Strauss touched him inappropriately during a medical exam, and how he was left feeling traumatized and ashamed. "I was just thinking, this is just part of the deal, this is just what I have to go through," Saban says in the documentary. "I didn't know what was real and what wasn't. I just knew that I felt uncomfortable." The documentary series also explores the university's response to the allegations, which was woefully inadequate. Despite numerous complaints made by students and staff members during Strauss's tenure, the university failed to take action, with some senior officials even going so far as to warn Strauss that he was being "excessive" in his treatment of the students. The series also examines the role of university officials, including athletic director Dick Harmon and football coach Earle Bruce, who were aware of Strauss's behavior but failed to act on it. It's estimated that Strauss abused at least 332 students, but the true number could be much higher. The documentary series takes the viewer through the survivors' journey, from the initial trauma and guilt to the ongoing quest for justice and accountability. Many of the survivors have struggled to come to terms with their experiences, and some have even suffered from chronic mental health issues, including depression and anxiety. Despite the trauma they've endured, the survivors have been determined to seek justice, and their efforts have led to significant changes in the way universities and colleges handle allegations of abuse and misconduct. In 2019, the university agreed to pay $425 million to settle a class-action lawsuit brought by the survivors. The documentary series sheds light on a national scandal that has left a lasting impact on Ohio State and the wider university community. It serves as a reminder of the power imbalance that exists between educators and students, and the need for universities to create safe and supportive environments for all students. Surviving Ohio State is a powerful tribute to the survivors of Strauss's abuse, and a testament to their resilience and determination in the face of unimaginable trauma. The documentary series serves as a warning to institutions of higher education about the dangers of ignoring allegations of abuse and misconduct, and the need to prioritize accountability and justice for survivors. Ultimately, it's a story of hope and healing, and the power of the human spirit to overcome even the most traumatic of experiences.