30 Former Ohio State Football Players Join Legal Action in Richard Strauss Abuse Case
Eleven Warriors • • sports
Key Points:
- Thirty former Ohio State football players, including notable members of the 1980 Rose Bowl team, have publicly come forward seeking accountability from the university regarding sexual abuse allegations.
- Among the group are Al Washington Sr., Ray Ellis, and Keith Ferguson, all of whom had successful professional football careers in the NFL and CFL.
- Washington Sr. initially remained silent due to shame and fear of retaliation, especially as his son was an assistant coach at Ohio State during the emergence of related lawsuits.
- The decision to speak out was influenced by the HBO documentary Surviving Ohio State, prompting the players to unite in solidarity to protect future athletes and demand accountability.
- The group emphasized their commitment to honoring the legacy of Coach Woody Hayes by advocating for justice and defending the integrity of the football program.
