Gordon Gee, Ohio State HR veep, say they never heard about doctor's abuse

WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan's supporters are waging an enthusiastic campaign to defend the Urbana Republican against claims he knew about potential sexual misconduct at Ohio State University during his time as assistant wrestling coach and did nothing about it.

At the same time, former Ohio State administrators said Tuesday they weren't aware of problems involving the doctor in question nor allegations of abuse.

Fifteen Ohio State University wrestlers issued a joint statement Tuesday defending Jordan against accusations by seven former Ohio State wrestlers that Jordan was aware of sexual impropriety by former team doctor Richard Strauss and did nothing about it. That statement came one day after eight former coaches — including two who'd previously defended Jordan — issued a statement coming to Jordan's defense.

As wrestlers came to Jordan's defense, a pair of former Ohio State administrators also said they weren’t aware of allegations of sexual misconduct by Strauss.

Former Ohio State President E. Gordon Gee told The Dispatch in a statement Tuesday that he had no recollection of Strauss or allegations against him, and indicated he has been in communication with investigators handling the Strauss probe.

Gee’s first stint as Ohio State president, from 1990 to 1997, fell during Strauss’ tenure as a physician at the university.