“Shadows of scandal and the pursuit of truth: the dark side of sports. For decades, the sports industry has grappled with instances of abuse and exploitation, leaving a trail of hurt and heartbreak in its wake. Now, HBO is set to shed light on one of the most disturbing sex abuse scandals to rock the world of college athletics – the Ohio State University sex abuse scandal. In a gripping new documentary, the cable network is about to expose the harrowing tale of how a former team doctor’s actions spiralled out of control, leaving a legacy of pain and suffering. With a release date finally announced, fans and critics alike are bracing themselves for a raw and unflinching look at one of the darkest chapters in sports history.”
The Upcoming Documentary
HBO has finally confirmed the release date and trailer for its highly anticipated documentary, Surviving Ohio State, which delves into the Ohio State sex abuse scandal involving Dr. Richard Strauss.
HBO’s Confirmation of Release Date and Trailer
This past March, Morningpicker reported that HBO was working on a documentary focused on the Ohio State sex abuse scandal, and now we have a release date and a first look at the trailer. The documentary, produced by George Clooney, Grant Heslov, and sports journalist Jon Wertheim, and directed by Emmy-winning actor Eva Orner, will premiere on Tuesday, June 17, at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and the HBO Max streaming service.
The Long-Awaited Premiere: Surviving Ohio State on June 17
The wait is almost over for those eagerly anticipating the documentary, which has been more than four years in the making. The Tribeca Film Festival selection promises to be a hard-hitting look at the sex abuse scandal that rocked one of the country’s biggest universities and most famous athletic departments.
The Tribeca Film Festival Connection
The documentary is set to have its premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival next week, marking a significant milestone in its production journey, which began in 2021 and continued into 2023.
The Documentary’s Content and Impact
Surviving Ohio State tells the story of the male victims of Dr. Richard Strauss, a sports medicine physician and serial sex abuser employed by The Ohio State University (OSU) from 1978 to 1998. The documentary bravely shares the experiences of student-athletes and others who concealed their trauma for years.
Exposing the Ohio State Sex Abuse Scandal: The Story of Dr. Richard Strauss
The film builds on the efforts of whistleblowers and journalists who exposed the scandal in 2018, examining the culture that allowed the abuse to continue unchecked for nearly two decades at OSU, as well as the survivors’ present-day fight to hold the school accountable.
The Brave Voices of Male Victims and Whistleblowers
The documentary features numerous male athletes, including several former All-American wrestlers, who have come forward to share their experiences of abuse during their time at The Ohio State University. The film includes revealing interviews with OSU student-athlete alumni Mark Coleman, Adam DiSabato, Michael DiSabato, Will Knight, Al Novakowski, Rockey Ratliff, Dan Ritchie, and Mike Schyck; OSU alumnus Stephen Snyder-Hill, wrestling referee Frederick Feeney, and others.
Uncovering the Culture of Abuse and the Fight for Accountability
The documentary sheds light on the sex abuse scandal that led to Ohio State entering into a settlement and agreeing to pay $40.9 million to 162 sexual abuse survivors in 2020. Multiple lawsuits remain ongoing, with the university’s own independent investigation determining that at least 177 male students were sexually abused by Strauss, who died in 2005.
The Creators and Their Vision
The documentary is based on Jon Wertheim’s Sports Illustrated cover story “Why Aren’t More People Talking About the Ohio State Sex Abuse Scandal.” The project was first announced via Clooney’s Smokehouse Pictures in 2021, with production beginning in 2022 and continuing into 2023.
The creators’ vision is to bring attention to the survivors’ stories and the ongoing fight for accountability, ensuring that the truth about the Ohio State sex abuse scandal is revealed and justice is served.
The Dream Team: George Clooney, Grant Heslov, and Jon Wertheim
HBO’s upcoming documentary, Surviving Ohio State, has been in the making for over four years, with a team of renowned filmmakers and journalists behind the project. The documentary was produced by George Clooney, his longtime collaborator Grant Heslov, and sports journalist Jon Wertheim, while directed by Emmy-winning director Eva Orner.
Emmy-Winning Director Eva Orner’s Take on the Documentary
According to Orner, Surviving Ohio State is a powerful and emotional film that sheds light on the Ohio State sex abuse scandal and its devastating impact on the victims. In an interview, Orner stated, “This is a story about the power of trauma, the power of silence, and the power of the human spirit. It’s a story about the men who were abused, and it’s a story about the university that failed them.”
From Sports Illustrated to the Big Screen: The Inspiration Behind Surviving Ohio State
Surviving Ohio State is based on Jon Wertheim’s Sports Illustrated cover story, “Why Aren’t More People Talking About the Ohio State Sex Abuse Scandal?” The story exposed the scandal and brought attention to the victims’ stories. The documentary builds on Wertheim’s reporting, featuring numerous male athletes who have come forward to share their experiences of abuse during their time at Ohio State University.
[The Ohio State Sex Abuse Scandal: A Recap]
The Settlement and Ongoing Lawsuits: A Timeline of Events
In 2020, Ohio State entered into a settlement with 162 sexual abuse survivors, agreeing to pay $40.9 million. However, multiple lawsuits remain ongoing, with the university’s own independent investigation determining that at least 177 male students were sexually abused by Dr. Richard Strauss, who died in 2005.
The University’s Independent Investigation: The Alarming Findings
The independent investigation found that Strauss, a sports medicine physician, sexually abused male students under the guise of medical treatment. The investigation also found that the university was aware of the allegations but failed to take action to stop the abuse.
The Legacy of Dr. Richard Strauss and the Athletic Department’s Response
Dr. Strauss’s legacy is one of shame and betrayal, leaving behind a trail of broken lives and shattered trust. The athletic department’s response was woefully inadequate, and it took years for the university to acknowledge the abuse and take steps to address it.
What to Expect from Surviving Ohio State
A Hard-Hitting Look at the Scandal and Its Aftermath
Surviving Ohio State is a powerful and emotional film that delves into the lives of the victims and the culture that allowed the abuse to continue unchecked. The documentary features revealing interviews with OSU student-athlete alumni, wrestling referees, and others who were affected by the scandal.
Revealing Interviews with OSU Alumni and Wrestling Referees
The documentary includes interviews with Mark Coleman, Adam DiSabato, Michael DiSabato, Will Knight, Al Novakowski, Rockey Ratliff, Dan Ritchie, and Mike Schyck, among others. These interviews provide a personal and intimate look at the experiences of the victims and the impact of the abuse on their lives.
A Call to Action: The Documentary’s Implications and Potential Impact
Surviving Ohio State is a call to action, urging the university to take responsibility for its failures and to support the survivors in their quest for justice. The documentary has the potential to spark a national conversation about the importance of accountability and the need for institutions to prioritize the well-being of their students.
Conclusion
As HBO releases the first trailer and sets a release date for its documentary on the Ohio State sex abuse scandal, the anticipation is palpable. The article highlights the disturbing revelations of Dr. Richard Strauss’s abuse, which went unchecked for decades, and the subsequent failures of Ohio State to address the issue. The documentary promises to shed light on the dark secrets that have haunted the university for so long, and it’s clear that this story is not just about individual victims, but about a broader culture of silence and complicity that allowed such abuse to persist.
The significance of this documentary can’t be overstated. It’s a stark reminder that institutions, even those with a reputation for excellence, can harbor secrets and betray the trust of those they’re supposed to protect. The implications are far-reaching, as it challenges us to confront the uncomfortable truth that even in the most seemingly idyllic environments, abuse and exploitation can thrive. As we grapple with the aftermath of this scandal, we’re forced to ask ourselves: what role do we play in creating environments where such abuse can occur, and how can we work to create a culture of transparency and accountability?
As we await the release of this documentary, it’s clear that the real work lies ahead. We must continue to amplify the voices of survivors, demand accountability from institutions, and work towards creating a world where abuse is not tolerated. The HBO documentary is just the beginning of this conversation, and it’s up to us to keep pushing for change.