Numerous former wrestlers have affirmed that Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) was aware of sexual abuse within Ohio State University’s wrestling team during his tenure as assistant coach from 1987 to 1995. Their testimony is gaining new significance as Jordan announced his bid for House Speaker.
Despite Jordan’s repeated denial of knowledge regarding team doctor Richard Strauss’ sexual misconduct, former wrestler Adam DiSabato contradicted him during a House Civil Justice Committee hearing in Columbus, Ohio. DiSabato accused Jordan of being a “liar” and claimed that Jordan, in 2018, contacted him in an attempt to dissuade him from supporting his brother Michael DiSabato’s public statements about Jordan’s awareness of Strauss’ abuse.
“Jim Jordan called me crying, groveling… begging me to go against my brother…That’s the kind of cover-up that’s going on there,” said DiSabato.
While Jordan’s spokesperson maintains his innocence, several former wrestlers assert that Jordan was aware of the abuse.
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Here are former wrestlers who say Jordan was aware of abuse:
Michael DiSabato claims that Jordan witnessed Strauss’ misconduct, saying: “Jim Jordan saw all of it,” DiSabato told the Columbus Dispatch.
Adam DiSabato, Michael’s older brother and a former All-American wrestler, accused Jordan of “throwing us under the bus, all of us. He’s a coward” during a hearing on Ohio House Bill 249.
Other wrestlers, such as Dunyasha Yetts, Shawn Dailey, David Range, Reid Delman, and an unnamed referee, claim that Jordan was informed about Strauss’ abuse.
Yetts said he and his teammates talked to Jordan numerous times about Strauss.
“For God’s sake, Strauss’ locker was right next to Jordan’s and Jordan even said he’d kill him if he tried anything with him,” Yetts revealed to NBC News.
Yet, Jordan vehemently denies any knowledge, and the dispute has taken on a political dimension, given Jordan’s announcement declaring himself a candidate to become the next speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives
