A massage therapist allegedly solicited Ohio State football players and engaged in sex with some of the players after offering them massages through social media.
The university says it became aware in March that the State Medical Board of Ohio investigated an independent massage therapist who engaged in inappropriate and exploitative behavior targeting members of the Ohio State football team.
The investigation was sparked by a complaint that was made on March 14, 2020, against the unidentified 41-year-old therapist with the State Medical Board of Ohio.
An independent investigation by the Barnes & Thornburg law firm found that 20 players received a massage from the woman and five engaged in sexual activities.
The statement says the investigation did not uncover any evidence that any current or former coaches or staff members for the OSU football team were aware of the massage therapist or of her contacts with the football student-athletes. In addition, no University policies were violated.
The state medical board has permanently revoked the license of the therapist.
Ohio State does not believe the massage therapist’s actions trigger NCAA rules or form the basis for NCAA violations.
