The House Freedom Caucus on Tuesday announced its full support of Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), who is being accused by several former Ohio State University (OSU) wrestlers of turning a blind eye to sexual assault allegations while he was a coach there.
“Jim Jordan is a man of integrity, and we believe him and stand with him 100 percent,” the Freedom Caucus tweeted. “If he had seen or heard something he would have acted.”
Jordan is one of the founding members of the conservative Freedom Caucus.{mosads}
Multiple former wrestlers have gone on the record in the past week with allegations that Jordan knew former OSU team doctor Richard Strauss acted inappropriately with young athletes. The wrestlers say Jordan talked about Strauss’s behavior and even said “If he tried that with me, I would kill him,” yet did nothing to stop it.
Jordan has repeatedly denied the allegations, saying he would have spoken up if he knew about Strauss’s behavior.
Fourteen former OSU wrestlers have gone on the record in defense of Jordan, as well as six former OSU wrestling coaches.
Strauss, who died in 2005, has been accused of sexually assaulting more than 1,000 young athletes from 15 varsity sports.
High-ranking members of the GOP have emerged in recent days in support of Jordan, including House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.).
Jordan himself is a powerful GOP representative who many have floated as a possible replacement for current Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.), who will not be seeking another term in Congress.
Freedom Caucus Chairman Mark Meadows (R-N.C.) told reporters on Tuesday night that every member of the conservative group agreed to back Jordan.
“Jim Jordan is a man of integrity and honor who always fights for the underdog,” Meadows said. “Any story that would suggest that he is someone who is not willing to fight for those who have been disadvantaged is just not accurate based on the man I’ve come to know and admire.”
Meadows confirmed the group took an official position to support Jordan.
While many of the wrestlers who claim Jordan knew about Strauss have stipulated they believe Jordan is a “good guy” and “friend,” most of them have said Strauss’s behavior was an open secret that Jordan couldn’t have ignored.
Former OSU wrestler Mike DiSabato, who made the original allegations against Strauss, told NBC he considered Jordan a “friend.”
“But at the end of the day, he is absolutely lying if he says he doesn’t know what was going on,” DiSabato said.
Jordan said he has not ruled out a bid for Speaker.
— Juliegrace Brufke contributed to this report, which was updated on July 11 at 5:37 a.m.