HBO's Surviving Ohio State: A Heart-Stopping Inquiry into a Sexual Abuse Scandal that Lasted Decades
In June 2025, HBO premiered Surviving Ohio State, a powerfully affecting documentary directed by Oscar and Emmy-winning filmmaker Eva Orner and produced by George Clooney. Premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival, it is now streaming on HBO Max. The film delves into the heart-wrenching sexual abuse scandal at Ohio State University (OSU), centered on the bravery of victims abused by former team doctor Dr. Richard Strauss from 1978 to 1998. Through unflinching survivor testimonies and rigorous investigative journalism, the documentary exposes the scale of Strauss's abuses and raises painful questions about why the university failed to act sooner, casting a shadow over a school renowned for its sports spirit.
A Story of Unimaginable Distress
At the core of Surviving Ohio State is Dr. Richard Strauss, a sports medicine doctor whose actions devastated countless lives. A 2019 OSU-funded investigation confirmed that Strauss sexually assaulted at least 177 male athletes across sports like wrestling, football, hockey, and fencing. By 2021, OSU reported over 2,800 misconduct complaints against him, including more than 200 rape accusations. His abuse often occurred during supposed routine check-ups, turning moments of trust into betrayal. Strauss's behavior was so notorious that athletes gave him grim nicknames like "Jellypaws" and quietly warned each other to avoid him.
Survivors’ testimonies form the documentary’s emotional core. UFC Heavyweight Champion Mark Coleman, hockey player Al Novakowski, and All-American wrestler Mike DiSabato share harrowing accounts of medical abuse. Novakowski recounts a terrifying assault where Strauss allegedly drugged and raped him under the guise of treating a muscle cramp. Frederick Feeney, a wrestling official, describes a chilling incident in the locker room showers where Strauss masturbated in front of him. These young athletes, often intimidated by Strauss’s authority to bench them, felt powerless to speak out.
A University That Looked Away
The documentary starkly illustrates OSU’s institutional failures. Complaints about Strauss reached university officials as early as 1979, yet no significant action was taken until his 1996 suspension—after which he was allowed to retire with emeritus status and a pension. Former fencing coach Charlotte Remenyik reported Strauss after a student complained about an inappropriately intimate exam for a bleeding ear, but her concerns were dismissed as rumors. Survivor Steve Snyder-Hill, who reported abuse in 1995, was falsely told no other complaints existed, a lie that still stings.
The film also addresses the controversial role of then-assistant wrestling coach and current Ohio congressman Jim Jordan. Survivors like Feeney and ex-wrestler Dan Ritchie claim they informed Jordan of Strauss’s abuse, expecting action. Feeney recalls Jordan dismissing it with, “It’s Strauss; you know what he does,” while Ritchie remembers Jordan joking about avoiding Strauss. Jordan, who declined to participate in the film, has consistently denied knowledge of the abuse, with his representative stating in June 2025, “Chairman Jordan never saw or heard of any abuse.” The documentary does not accuse Jordan directly but highlights survivors’ frustration, leaving viewers to draw their own conclusions.
A Culture of Secrets
Surviving Ohio State explores how a hyper-masculine sports culture silenced victims. Director Eva Orner notes that even the toughest athletes broke under Strauss’s intimidation, a testament to the power of fear and shame. Survivors describe feeling trapped, fearing the loss of scholarships or their place at a beloved school. “We were powerless,” Mark Coleman says, his voice heavy with the weight of a betrayed dream.
The film draws parallels with other scandals, like those involving Larry Nassar at Michigan State and Jerry Sandusky at Penn State. However, while those universities paid hundreds of millions to victims, OSU settled with 296 victims for $60 million—roughly $250,000 per person. Survivors like Snyder-Hill see this as an insult, especially since OSU has not admitted legal liability. As of October 2023, five of 236 survivors’ cases remain pending, with a potential trial by late 2026.
Giving Survivors a Voice
Building on Jon Wertheim’s 2020 Sports Illustrated cover story, “Why Aren’t More People Talking About the Ohio State Sex Abuse Scandal?”, Surviving Ohio State amplifies survivors’ voices. Men like DiSabato, who first spoke to The Columbus Dispatch in 2018, and Snyder-Hill, who has shared his story widely, hope the film pushes OSU to acknowledge its past. “I’m a survivor of sexual assault, but I’m a victim of OSU,” Snyder-Hill says, encapsulating the institutional betrayal. Inspired by the gymnasts who exposed Nassar, survivors testified in 2018, and their stories continue to resonate, from the Tribeca premiere to a June 18, 2025, gathering outside the U.S. District Courthouse in Columbus, demanding fair mediation.
Where the Film Falls Short
While compelling, Surviving Ohio State is not without flaws. Critics, including The Hollywood Reporter, note that it doesn’t uncover new evidence against figures like Jordan or fully explore why key authority figures, such as the athletic director or university president, failed to act. The focus on Jordan occasionally overshadows the survivors’ stories, particularly toward the film’s end.
A Battle Far From Over
Despite its shortcomings, Surviving Ohio State is a must-watch alongside other documentaries exposing abuse in college athletics. It honors survivors’ courage and challenges OSU’s claim of reform. The university, through spokesperson Ben Johnson, insists it is “fundamentally different today,” citing a 2018 office to prevent sexual misconduct. Yet survivors remain skeptical as OSU defends lawsuits by arguing claims are too old or offering settlements they deem inadequate.
For the men of Surviving Ohio State, the film is more than a documentary—it’s a platform to heal, be heard, and ensure no one else endures their pain. As one survivor states, “The media coverage and this documentary are really all that we’ve got.” Their story underscores the power of speaking truth, lighting the way toward change.
Where to Watch and Get Help
Surviving Ohio State is available to stream on HBO Max. If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual assault, support is available through the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or the Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence. |