HBO brought Surviving Ohio State into our living rooms—a documentary that rips open one of the darkest secrets in college athletics. Directed by Eva Orner, with big names like George Clooney and Grant Heslov backing it, this film takes us deep into the decades-long nightmare of sexual abuse by Dr. Richard Strauss, a sports medicine doctor at Ohio State University (OSU) from 1978 to 1998. Through the raw, emotional stories of survivors, whistleblowers, and journalists, it lays bare a culture of silence, a university that looked the other way, and a fight for justice that’s still unfolding. As someone who watched it, I’m here to share what makes this documentary so powerful, from the personal struggles of those affected to the bigger questions it raises.
The Scandal That Shook a University
Picture this: Ohio State University, home of the beloved Buckeyes, a sports giant with fans who live and breathe its victories. Then, in 2018, that image cracked wide open. Dr. Richard Strauss, a trusted team doctor and professor, was accused of abusing at least 177 male student-athletes across 15 sports—though some say the real number could be in the thousands. For 20 years, he subjected young men to horrifying acts: unnecessary genital exams, assaults in showers, and even alleged rapes. A 2019 investigation revealed OSU knew about complaints as early as 1979 but did next to nothing until 1996, when Strauss was finally sidelined from clinical work—yet kept his job until retirement. It’s a gut punch to think about.
Surviving Ohio State picks up where Jon Wertheim’s 2020 Sports Illustrated piece, “Why Aren’t More People Talking About the Ohio State Sex Abuse Scandal?” left off. It shows how Strauss used his authority to prey on athletes who needed his approval to play, turning their dreams into a nightmare. The film’s debut at the Tribeca Festival on June 9, 2025, and its HBO release eight days later, finally gave this buried story the spotlight it deserved.
The Faces Behind the Pain
What really hits you are the people—survivors who found the strength to speak out. Their stories are the soul of this documentary:
- Mark Coleman, a former All-American wrestler and UFC legend, breaks down as he recalls Strauss’s invasive “exams.” He talks about the constant fear of losing his scholarship if he said a word, admitting, “I felt powerless—like I had no choice.”
- Mike DiSabato, another wrestler and a key whistleblower, lights a fire with his resolve. He remembers warning teammates to “watch your nuts” before seeing Strauss, a grim heads-up born from experience.
- Al Novakowski, a hockey player, shares a chilling memory of being drugged and raped during what should’ve been a routine checkup. His voice trembles as he asks, “Who am I gonna tell?”—a question that haunts.
- Other Voices, like football players and a referee, paint a picture of a locker room where Strauss’s creepy behavior was an “open secret.” They talk about the shame of staying quiet, especially in a world that expects athletes to be tough.
These guys—celebrated for their strength on the field—were let down by the very place that shaped their lives. The documentary shows how they buried their pain for years, only finding the courage to speak with the #MeToo movement and scandals like Larry Nassar’s at Michigan State pushing them forward. Watching them, you feel their hurt like it’s your own.
What Went So Wrong
The film doesn’t just tell stories—it uncovers truths that make you angry:
- Turning a Blind Eye: OSU got complaints about Strauss in 1979 but waited decades to act. That inaction let the abuse keep going, and it’s hard to forgive.
- Coaches in the Know?: Survivors say coaches, including Jim Jordan—now a Congressman and former assistant coach—knew what was happening. Jordan says no, but Frederick Feeney’s claim that Jordan brushed off his report with “It’s Strauss. You know what he does” sticks with you. The film doesn’t prove it beyond doubt, but the hints are heavy.
- A Culture of Silence: The macho vibe of college sports, plus the pressure of scholarships, kept mouths shut. Mark Coleman’s line, “You’ve never heard of predators. You’ve never heard of grooming,” hits hard—it’s a lesson no one should learn this way.
- Not Enough Justice: After the 2019 report, OSU settled with 296 survivors for over $60 million. But with an average payout of $250,000, it feels small next to what Penn State or Michigan State offered. It leaves you wondering if OSU really cares.
The documentary takes a hard look at OSU’s athletic department, raking in $292.8 million in 2024, and asks: Why was protecting the school’s name more important than these young men? Neither university officials nor Jordan agreed to talk, so their silence lets the survivors’ voices ring louder.
Why This Matters Beyond OSU
This isn’t just an OSU story—it’s a wake-up call for all college sports:
- Holding People Accountable: It makes you wonder why schools shield their reputations over victims, a pattern seen with Penn State’s Jerry Sandusky case. OSU’s payout, while big, doesn’t match up to others, which feels unfair.
- Breaking Stereotypes: The film challenges the idea that male athletes can’t be victims. That old belief slowed down the outrage, but #MeToo is changing that, and this story adds to the shift.
- Better Rules Needed: The scandal’s pushing for tighter checks on medical staff and mandatory reporting. With nearly 250 survivors still suing, it’s clear change can’t wait.
For OSU, with its die-hard fans who treat the Buckeyes like family, this could hurt its shine. But as director Eva Orner calls it “a fever or a cult,” there’s hope they’ll use this to make things right if they own up.
What People Are Saying
Since its release, Surviving Ohio State has stirred up a storm:
- Critics’ Take: They love the emotional punch and focus on survivors, with The Hollywood Reporter dubbing it “a compelling look at survival.” Some wish it had more hard proof against Jordan, though, saying it falls short there.
- Fan Reactions: On social media, people call it “devastating” and admit to “sobbing” at the survivors’ stories. Others are mad at OSU for letting it happen. But some fans defend the school, feeling the film stretches too far without solid evidence against coaches.
- Big Conversations: It’s reignited talks about abuse in sports. Some see it as a wake-up call, while others ask why it took so long to get attention compared to scandals with women.
The premiere’s got people talking—survivors are pushing for justice, and OSU’s under pressure to face its past head-on.
How It Fits In
Surviving Ohio State joins films like Athlete A (Michigan State) and Happy Valley (Penn State), but with a twist—it focuses on male athletes, not female ones. Unlike those with clear evidence against big names, this one leans on survivor stories rather than nailing down every detail, like with Jordan. That makes it different, and its power comes from those personal accounts over a full institutional takedown.
Final Thoughts: A Story That Stays With You
Surviving Ohio State is tough to watch but impossible to ignore. Through Mark Coleman’s tears, Mike DiSabato’s fight, and Al Novakowski’s haunting question—“Who am I gonna tell?”—it shows how Dr. Strauss’s abuse thrived in a culture of silence at OSU. It doesn’t wrap up every loose end, like proving Jordan’s role, but it puts the survivors’ humanity front and center and demands accountability.
For me, it’s a stark reminder of how vulnerable college athletes can be and a push for better protections. It challenges us to make sure no one feels that powerless again. Streaming now on HBO and Max, it’s a must-see for anyone who cares about sports, justice, or just human stories that matter.
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