Former Ohio State Wrestler Rips Jordan Speaker Bid: 'All He’s Done is Turn His Back on Us'

A former Ohio State University wrestler who accused Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, of ignoring sexual abuse at the college criticized Jordan for "turn[ing] his back" on members of the team while a coach.

Former Ohio State wrestler Will Knight said he disagreed with Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., who called the Ohio Republican a "fighter" in a speech Tuesday.

"People always call Jim Jordan a fighter, and I always wonder who he's fighting for, because he had a real opportunity to fight for us," Knight said in an interview with CNN. "All he's done is turn his back on us."

US Representative Jim Jordan (C), R-OH, speaks to reporters after a Republicans caucus meeting where House Speaker candidate Steve Scalise dropped out, at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on October 12, 2023. — Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, speaks to reporters after a Republicans caucus meeting where House Speaker candidate Steve Scalise dropped out, at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on October 12, 2023.MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images

Hundreds of former athletes and students are suing Ohio State University in a case that alleges the university failed to protect them from a sexual predator who served as the assistant coach on their team during the 1980s and 90s. Jordan was an assistant wrestling coach on the team at the time and has denied knowing what was going on.

Jordan is vying for the House speakership after losing an initial vote on the House floor Tuesday. To be successful, he will need to win over the votes of at least 16 detractors.

Former Ohio State Wrestler Rips Jordan Speaker Bid: ‘All He’s Done is Turn His Back on Us’

The wrestler disagreed with Stefanik calling Jordan a 'fighter'