In a significant development that adds a powerful new chapter to one of college sports' most troubling scandals, thirty former Ohio State football players—including NFL veterans Ray Ellis, Al Washington, and Keith Ferguson—have announced their intention to join the expanding class-action lawsuit against the university. The allegations center on longtime sports medicine physician Richard Strauss, who is accused of sexual abuse during his tenure at Ohio State from 1978 to 1996.

This marks the first time such a large and prominent group of former Buckeyes football stars has come forward publicly. While other OSU football players had previously filed suit over Strauss-related claims, those cases were brought under pseudonyms and later settled. Now, with these players stepping into the spotlight, the university faces intensified legal pressure and the weight of having its flagship athletic program at the heart of what many consider the most damaging scandal in school history.

For context, Strauss served as a team physician and associate director of sports medicine, working closely with athletes across all sports. His alleged abuse has been most closely tied to wrestlers—including Michael DiSabato, the first accuser to go public—but football players were also affected, though they have historically been less central to the narrative. That balance is now shifting dramatically.

Since 2018, over 520 former Ohio State students have filed lawsuits related to Strauss, who died by suicide in 2005. The university has reached settlements with 317 plaintiffs, totaling $61 million, but more than 200 active litigants remain, along with additional class members. An Ohio State spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

As the legal battle continues, this development serves as a stark reminder of the lasting impact of institutional failures—and the courage it takes for athletes to speak out, even years later. For fans and followers of college sports, it's a sobering moment that underscores the importance of accountability, transparency, and the protection of every athlete who steps onto the field.