Former Ohio State Athletes, Including NFL Veterans, Join Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Against University

In a significant development, thirty former Ohio State football players, some of whom went on to play in the NFL, have stepped forward to join a federal lawsuit against Ohio State University. This legal action addresses allegations of sexual abuse by a team doctor, a case that has stirred controversy for decades, according to an attorney involved in the matter on Thursday.

Attorney Rocky Ratliff revealed that these individuals decided to come forward nearly eight years after the initial lawsuit was filed. Overcoming the stigma associated with reporting sexual abuse, particularly male-on-male abuse, and confronting the fear of challenging the university publicly, were significant hurdles for them.

“These men are emotional and continue to grapple with their experiences,” Ratliff stated. “However, as the case gains momentum, they’ve observed Ohio State’s handling of athlete-related issues and feel compelled to emphasize that acknowledging abuse is crucial, regardless of the circumstances.”

Since 2018, Ohio State has been embroiled in federal court battles initiated by former student-athletes. These lawsuits argue that the university failed to prevent Dr. Richard Strauss from abusing hundreds of individuals during his tenure from 1978 to 1998. Strauss passed away in 2005.

Ratliff confirmed that the former players have formally agreed to join the lawsuit alongside other student-athletes who allege victimization by Strauss.

Of the 30, only three have agreed to make their identities public, Ratliff said. They are Al Washington, Ray Ellis and Keith Ferguson, he said. All were members of the 1980 Rose Bowl team and were recruited by and played for legendary coach Woody Hayes. The Associated Press does not identify people who say they’re victims of sexual abuse unless they choose to make their names public.

Some other former football players have settled with the school in sealed agreements that kept their names a secret, Ratliff said.

In a statement, Ohio State said it has “sincerely and persistently tried to reconcile with survivors, including former football student-athletes, through monetary and non-monetary means, including settlements, counseling services and other medical treatment.”

As of April 15, the university has settled with 317 survivors for more than $61 million, and is remains actively engaged in mediation, the school said.

In an interview, Washington said it was hard to talk about the abuse he suffered and recalled being subjected to “unlawful” physical exams by Strauss when he was 18 or 19. He and the other players tried to make light of it with each other and joke about it.

“But it was really uncomfortable,” said Washington, now 67.

He didn’t discuss it with others over the decades, but watching the 2025 documentary film “Surviving Ohio State” put it back into his thoughts.

“As a matter of fact, I couldn’t make it through that movie,” Washington said. “The pain and anguish that I saw, I just couldn’t take it.”

Strauss was on the faculty and medical staff and Ohio State. He retired in 1998 with emeritus status. School trustees revoked that mark of honor three years ago.

Washington played linebacker at Ohio State and was a fourth-round draft pick by the New York Jets in 1981. After a year with the Jets he went to the Ottawa Roughriders of the Canadian Football League.

Ellis, 67, was a safety at Ohio State and spent five years with the Philadelphia Eagles and two with the Cleveland Browns. He recorded 14 interceptions and three sacks over seven NFL seasons.

Ferguson, 67, was a defensive end at Ohio State and a fifth-round draft pick by San Diego in 1981. He spent five years with the Chargers and six more with Detroit. His best season came in 1986, when he recorded 9 1/2 sacks for the Lions.

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AP Pro Football Writer Mark Long in Jacksonville, Florida, contributed.