In case you missed the news last week, Ohio State announced that a masseuse has been barred from the program, and her license revoked by the state of Ohio for reportedly targeting Buckeye football players because of a “personal infatuation” with them. The name of the therapist was redacted in the report, but several media outlets have reported her identity as Robyn Bassani. It is unclear whether a crime occurred but appropriate actions were taken regardless.
It’s that last point that The State Medical Board of Ohio hopes to change. Currently, while the documents reference a violation of Ohio Revised Code Section 4731.22(B)(20), that law grants the board only the right to “limit, revoke, or suspend a license or certificate to practice.”
So, again, prosecution of criminal activity is unclear and may not be something that can be pursued. However, according to our friends over at Buckeye Sports Bulletin, the Medical Board would like to change that.
“It is … working with stakeholders to develop a legislative proposal that would criminalize sexual misconduct by licensees in the course of practice,” a Board spokesman told BSB. The spokesman did admit later on that the efforts are very early in the process.
What happened with the Ohio State football team may eventually help to change state law. https://t.co/GszvwUu5vj pic.twitter.com/icig5r1813
— Buckeye Sports Bulletin (@Buckeye_Sports) May 15, 2021
Regardless, hopefully, this sort of thing will at least act as a catalyst for change that seems to be so desperately needed.
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