A new documentary series produced by George Clooney and Grant Heslov’s Smokehouse Pictures will examine the decades-long sexual abuse scandal which took place at Ohio State University and involved Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), who was an assistant coach on the OSU wrestling team when a former team doctor, Richard Strauss allegedly committed sexual assault against numerous student athletes between 1978 and 1998.
According to the Hollywood Reporter:
“The series, which hasn’t found an outlet yet, is based on an October 2020 Sports Illustrated story by Jon Wertheim, which detailed a long list of allegations against former Ohio State sports doctor Richard Strauss and university officials’ lack of response. Sports Illustrated Studios and 101 Studios are producing alongside Smokehouse Pictures.
“‘This article uncovers the most widespread sexual abuse scandal in the history of American higher education. It is a story about power, abuse, enabling and the hierarchy of college sports that had been concealed for far too long,” said Wertheim, who will be an executive producer of the series. “Because these courageous men made the decision to remain silent no longer, we can finally begin to hold the abuser, and those who were complicit in their silence, accountable for their actions — and inactions. With the help of 101 Studios, [SI owner] Authentic Brands Group and Smokehouse Pictures, their voices and stories — harrowing as they are — will be amplified.'”
Jordan has repeatedly denied that he knew anything about the sexual abuse taking place inside the wrestling team, but former members of the OSU wrestling team have contradicted him, with whistleblower Mike DiSabato remarking in February of last year while testifying before the Ohio Civil Justice Committee:
“Jim Jordan called me crying, groveling, begging me to go against my brother, begging me, crying for a half-hour. That’s the kind of cover-up that’s going on there.”
Featured Image Via CNN
