Thirty former Ohio State University football players—including ex-team captains and NFL veterans—have stepped forward to join a class-action lawsuit against the university, alleging sexual abuse by former OSU doctor Richard Strauss. This powerful group of survivors is adding their voices to a growing legal battle, bringing both credibility and visibility to a painful chapter in Buckeyes history.
The new plaintiffs, each identifying as a survivor of Strauss's abuse, are committed to pursuing justice through the class action, according to attorney Rocky Ratliff. Among them are three standout members of the 1980 Rose Bowl team: Al Washington, Ray Ellis, and Keith Ferguson, all of whom played under legendary coach Woody Hayes and later competed in the NFL. While other OSU athletes have come forward previously, these high-profile names could amplify the survivors' message and encourage others to speak out.
Ray Ellis, a Canton native and team captain, went on to play defensive back for seven seasons in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles and Cleveland Browns. Keith Ferguson, also a Buckeyes captain, enjoyed a 10-year NFL career as a defensive end for the San Diego Chargers and Detroit Lions. Al Washington, whose 345 career tackles rank eighth all-time at Ohio State—just behind current Buckeyes linebackers coach and College Football Hall of Famer James Laurinaitis—has a deep family connection to the program; his son, Al Washington Jr., served as the Buckeyes' linebackers coach from 2019 to 2021 and now holds the same role with the Miami Dolphins.
In a media release, Washington explained that he hesitated to come forward initially due to the shame often associated with male-on-male sexual abuse and fears of retaliation from the university. Now, he and his former teammates are standing together, united by their love for Ohio State and the lessons instilled by Coach Hayes about using their voices to make a difference.
"Using our voices to pay forward in this situation is not easy, but we believe it is necessary to protect future athletes and to ensure accountability for what happened to us," Washington said. "We are committed to seeing this through—not only for ourselves, but for every survivor who has carried this burden in silence. We also feel a responsibility to our teammates, our families, and the next generation of Buckeyes."
This lawsuit follows Ohio State's recent settlement with more than a dozen other Strauss survivors, signaling that the fight for justice is far from over. As these former players step into the spotlight, they're reminding the sports world that courage and solidarity can turn pain into progress.