July 18, 2025 — After a six-year pause caused by appellate delays that reached the U.S. Supreme Court, depositions are finally underway in the landmark sexual abuse lawsuits filed by former student-athletes against The Ohio State University. The federal judge overseeing the case has also appointed former U.S. District Judge Layn Phillips to serve as mediator in an effort to resolve the cases short of trial.
The litigation, which stems from decades of sexual abuse by former team doctor Richard Strauss, entered a new phase this week when Joe Sauder deposed former Ohio State Athletic Director Andy Geiger in Seattle, Washington.
“This has been a long time coming,” said attorney Joe Sauder of Sauder Schelkopf, one of the firms representing survivors. “We are glad that we have been able to finally start taking depositions again. Our clients have waited years to confront the truth and seek accountability.”
Federal Court Pushes Forward on Parallel Tracks: Discovery and Mediation
In a court order filed July 18, U.S. District Judge Michael Watson appointed former Judge Layn Phillips to oversee mediation in the cases, calling it “time to participate in good-faith efforts to resolve these cases short of continued litigation.”
Parties are required begin scheduling mediation, even as discovery continues on bellwether cases, with trial set for October 2026.
Background: Delays, Documentary, and National Spotlight
The renewed progress comes after the U.S. Supreme Court declined in 2023 to hear Ohio State’s appeal that sought to dismiss claims based on statute of limitations arguments. That decision allowed more than 230 survivors to proceed with their lawsuits.
A recent HBO documentary, Surviving Ohio State, produced by George Clooney, has helped bring renewed national attention to the case. The film accuses Ohio State of an institutional cover-up and features testimony from former student-athletes who allege that Strauss abused them under the guise of medical care. The documentary also alleges that high-profile figures—including former wrestling coach Russ Hellickson and U.S. Representative Jim Jordan—were aware of the abuse and failed to act.
Jordan, who served as an assistant wrestling coach during part of Strauss’s tenure, has repeatedly denied any knowledge. Jordan was also deposed on July 18th.
“It’s Time for Accountability”
With two new depositions behind them and mediation underway, plaintiffs’ counsel emphasized that the process of truth-finding and resolution is now finally moving.
“Depositions are where the truth begins to surface,” said Sauder. “Our clients have shown extraordinary resilience. Now, after years of delay, the university and its former leaders must answer to the students.”
Sauder Schelkopf filed one of the earliest class action lawsuits in 2018 on behalf of OSU survivors, alleging that university officials had knowledge of Strauss’ misconduct dating back to 1979 and failed to take appropriate action. A 2019 independent investigation commissioned by OSU concluded that Strauss abused at least 177 male students between 1978 and 1998 and that complaints were never elevated beyond the athletic and student health departments.
Sauder Schelkopf remains committed to representing survivors of sexual abuse nationwide, with ongoing cases involving schools, religious institutions, and other organizations. The firm continues to fight for transparency, accountability, and justice for all survivors.
About Sauder Schelkopf
Sauder Schelkopf has a nationally recognized litigation practice. The firm currently serves as court-appointed lead counsel in courts across the country. The attorneys at Sauder Schelkopf have recovered over $1 billion on behalf of their clients and class members. LawDragon has recognized our attorneys in its list of the “500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers” for 2022. Mr. Schelkopf was named to Pennsylvania’s Best Lawyers® 2022 for Class Actions/Mass Tort Litigation. The American Lawyer named Mr. Sauder to its 2021 Northeast Trailblazers. The honor recognizes 60 lawyers who are “truly agents of change.” It “recognizes professionals in the Northeast who have moved the needle in the legal industry.” The Legal Intelligencer named Mr. Sauder and Mr. Schelkopf in its 2020 Pennsylvania Trailblazers list recognizing 31 lawyers who “have taken extra measures to contribute to positive outcomes . . . and who are truly agents of change.” Our attorneys have also consistently been recognized by their peers being named to Pennsylvania SuperLawyer, a distinction held by the top 5% of attorneys in Pennsylvania.