Former Ohio State University wrestlers say Jim Jordan betrayed them and shouldn’t be House speaker

Former Ohio State Wrestlers Criticize Rep. Jim Jordan’s Bid for House Speaker

Four former Ohio State University wrestlers who have accused Rep. Jim Jordan of failing to protect them from a sexual predator when he was the team’s assistant coach in the 1980s and ’90s said Tuesday that he is unfit to be the next speaker of the House.

“Do you really want a guy in that job who chose not to stand up for his guys?” said former OSU wrestler Mike Schyck, one of the hundreds of former athletes and students who say they were sexually abused by school doctor Richard Strauss and have sued the university. “Is that the kind of character trait you want for a House speaker?”

Follow live updates on the House Speaker race

The wrestlers’ criticism adds a new dimension to the speaker race, shedding light on a controversial part of Jordan’s past that continues to haunt him. The allegations against Jordan have not received much attention so far, but they could continue to follow him even if he becomes speaker, as there is a chance he could be deposed in one of the lawsuits.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Impacted

1. SDG 5: Gender Equality
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

House Speaker Race

Jordan is currently the only declared candidate competing against House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., for the top job in Congress. The position of House speaker is second in the presidential line of succession, after the vice president.

Former Wrestlers’ Criticism

Dunyasha Yetts, another former OSU wrestler who has publicly accused Jordan of lying about not knowing what Strauss was doing to the athletes, said the congressman’s “hypocrisy is unbelievable.” Yetts added, “He doesn’t deserve to be House speaker. He still has to answer for what happened to us.”

Rocky Ratliff, a former OSU wrestler and alleged Strauss victim who is also a lawyer representing some of the plaintiffs suing the school, said Jordan “abandoned his former wrestlers in the Ohio State sexual abuse scandal and cover-up.”

Jordan’s Denials

Jordan, who won Trump’s endorsement and has been actively investigating President Joe Biden and his family as chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, has repeatedly denied any knowledge of sexual abuse by Strauss during his time at OSU. Jordan’s spokesman, Russell Dye, stated that the congressman never saw or heard of any abuse and would have taken action if he had.

Remaining Lawsuits

Ohio State University has already admitted its failure to protect students from Strauss and has paid out $60 million in settlement money to 296 victims. The U.S. Supreme Court also rejected OSU’s attempt to dismiss the remaining lawsuits against the school in June.

Deposing Jordan

Ratliff, Schyck, and John Doe, who are part of the ongoing lawsuit against OSU, plan to depose Jordan and have him testify under oath regarding his knowledge of Strauss’ abuse. Schyck emphasized that Jordan’s locker was near Strauss’ and that conversations about the abuse were common among the wrestlers.

Conclusion

The allegations against Rep. Jim Jordan have raised concerns about his suitability for the position of House speaker. Former Ohio State wrestlers who accuse Jordan of failing to protect them from sexual abuse by school doctor Richard Strauss have criticized his character and called for him to be held accountable. The outcome of the speaker race will have implications for gender equality and the promotion of peace, justice, and strong institutions, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 5: Gender Equality
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 3.7: By 2030, ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive healthcare services, including for family planning, information and education, and the integration of reproductive health into national strategies and programs.
• SDG 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
• SDG 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for SDG 3.7: Percentage of women and girls who have access to sexual and reproductive healthcare services.
• Indicator for SDG 5.2: Number of reported cases of violence against women and girls.
• Indicator for SDG 16.6: Transparency and accountability of institutions involved in addressing cases of sexual abuse.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Note: The targets and indicators listed above are based on the issues discussed in the article and may not encompass all targets and indicators related to the SDGs mentioned.

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Source: nbcnews.com

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