Ohio State University’s athletics department stands out as a powerhouse in intercollegiate sports, with 36 varsity teams and a massive budget surpassing even the wealthiest schools in the Big Ten conference. Despite its sporting success and iconic brand, Ohio State has a dark shadow looming over it in the form of a widespread sex abuse scandal involving Dr. Richard Strauss. The documentary “Surviving Ohio State,” directed by Eva Orner, sheds light on this overlooked scandal, revealing how Strauss abused at least 177 male students over two decades within the university’s athletics and health departments.

The film features survivors like Mike DiSabato and Mark Coleman, who bravely share their traumatic experiences of abuse by Strauss. The documentary paints a stark picture of the power dynamics at play, highlighting how the survivors, initially met with skepticism, faced legal challenges and prolonged trauma. Notably, the film exposes the inaction of key figures like wrestling coach Russ Hellickson and former assistant Jim Jordan, who allegedly ignored or downplayed the abuse.

Despite the shocking revelations, Ohio State has only paid a fraction of what Michigan State did for the Nassar scandal and has refused to accept legal liability for covering up Strauss’s misconduct. The survivors’ stories, though harrowing, provide an outlet for emotional release and raise awareness about the need for accountability and support for victims of abuse in collegiate sports.

“Surviving Ohio State” serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience of the survivors and the ongoing quest for justice and closure in the face of institutional betrayal. As the documentary premieres on HBO, it prompts reflection on the broader issue of abuse in college athletics and the urgency for systemic change and accountability within universities.