Thirty-seven former Ohio State athletes, including ex-football players, filed a Title IX lawsuit against the school Wednesday, the latest federal lawsuit that alleges sexual abuse by former team doctor Richard Strauss.

The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, claims Strauss abused the athletes – ex-wrestler Michael DiSabato and 36 “John Does” — during preseason physicals and when they were treated for injuries. Michael Wright, one of the attorneys who crafted the lawsuit, told USA TODAY Sports that 20 of the John Does were former OSU football players and “quite a few” went on to play in the NFL.

Strauss died by suicide in 2005. He served in various roles in his 20 years at Ohio State, including more than a decade as a team doctor.

Attorneys for the plaintiffs wrote in the complaint that the school “maintained a culture of concealment, denial, and unwillingness to investigate sexual abuse and sexual harassment of male athletes at the University.

“This culture led to OSU’s active concealment of and deliberate indifference towards continuous complaints and reports about Strauss’ behavior and the conditions at Larkins Hall. Consequently, Strauss remained hidden in plain sight and continued to abuse Plaintiffs and other patients throughout his career at the University.”

According to the lawsuit, some athletes reported Strauss’ abuse to former trainer Billy Hill. Hill told the players it was like “hazing” and their complaints were ignored, according to the suit.

“I think a lot of the players are dealing with psychological issues as a result,” Wright said. “Some are handling those issues quietly, while others are dealing with them more outwardly. All of them have suffered in their own way.”

Wright said that he expects the number of plaintiffs in this lawsuit — which follows others filed over the last several months — to increase.

“I get calls daily,” Wright said. “There are a lot of folks out there who haven’t come forward.”

A report released by Ohio State after a lengthy investigation said Strauss abused at least 177 students between 1979 and 1997, including male athletes in at least 16 sports.

When contacted by USA TODAY Sports on Wednesday, Ohio State spokesperson Ben Johnson shared the university’s previous statements about the investigative report. In a letter to alumni that was sent May 17, school president Dr. Michael V. Drake apologized.

“Strauss’ actions and the university’s inaction at the time were unacceptable. On behalf of Ohio State, we offer our profound regret and sincere apologies to each person who endured Strauss’ abuse.”