Ohio State Says Massage Therapist Targeted Football Players for Sex

Ohio State became aware of a situation in March involving an independent massage therapist who “engaged in inappropriate and exploitative behavior” targeting members of the football team and has banned her from campus.

The university confirmed on Thursday the State Medical Board of Ohio has revoked a massage therapist’s license after an investigation alleges she targeted football players in an attempt to engage in sexual acts with them.

The university released reports and public records on Thursday regarding the investigation into the allegations. The reports can be seen on the next page.

"Our first concern and top priority is for the safety and well-being of our student-athletes," Ohio State's statement reads.

The university said that after police determined they lacked jurisdiction to investigate, the school requested Barnes & Thornburg — through the Ohio Attorney General — to conduct an independent investigation.

"Her actions were part of a scheme to exploit football student-athletes and were in violation of her state license. In addition, Ohio State does not believe the massage therapist’s actions trigger NCAA rules or form the basis for NCAA violations. While no self-reporting is required, Ohio State proactively shared the exploitative behavior with the NCAA, and a report has been made to the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office."

The investigative report states, according to current and former players, the sexual activities that occurred were consensual. When she tried to initiate sexual activity in other instances, players said she stopped when they objected.

The investigation found that her interactions did not rise to the level of any crimes.

Click to the next page to see the full investigative report and "ban letter."

The full report can be seen here, or by clicking the image below.

Ohio State said it was releasing the records and reports for transparency. All student-athletes on the football team, along with coaches and staff, participated in this process.

"Based on the findings of the investigation, the university, through its departments of Public Safety and Athletics, has banned the massage therapist from campus and locations where students are lodging or living and has served her with a cease and desist order regarding any additional contact with students, coaches or staff," the school said.

The full "ban" letter sent to the individual can be seen here, or by clicking the image below.