Art Schlichter from rising NFL star to years of legal troubles

Many National Football League (NFL) fans have heard the name Art Schlichter, the former American professional football quarterback. While his success in American football is unquestionable, the story of Schlichter is frequently viewed as one of the most cautionary tales in professional sports.

Recognized as a natural talent and leader, Art Schlichter made a name for himself from a young age. While his college and professional football career was undoubtedly successful, it was overshadowed by a decades-long battle with gambling addiction.

Unlike old-school NFL fans, many young followers of the sport are unaware who is Art Schlichter, what his biggest career milestones are, and how he was involved in numerous betting scandals and a slew of legal troubles.

Art Schlichter college football career

Born on April 25, 1960, Art Schlichter displayed exceptional athletic abilities from a young age. His popularity soared as many industry observers would describe him as a quarterback with significant talent. Thanks to Art Schlichter leadership skills, strength and dedication to sport, he quickly became one of the most talked-about high school players even before setting foot on a college campus.

Art Schlichter career hit a major milestone during his time at Ohio State University between 1978 and 1981. Recognized as a college football prospect for the Ohio State Buckeyes, he recorded significant success by setting many school records. At the time, Art Schlichter was also viewed as one of the most dynamic passers in college football.

Throughout his college football career, Art Schlichter earned All-Big Ten honors and gained popularity across the country. His exceptional performance, impressive passing yardage and touchdowns designated him as one of the most statistically accomplished quarterbacks at the time, paving the way for his professional football career. Concerningly, even during Art Schlichter's college career, there were early signs of gambling-related issues. Still, it would be years before the negative impact of gambling on him would surface publicly.

Art Schlichter professional football career

At the 1982 NFL draft, the Colts, which were at the time based in Baltimore, Maryland, picked Art Schlichter fourth. This demonstrated their high expectations of him in light of the talent he demonstrated as an exceptional college football player.

However, it didn't take long for his gambling-related issues to show up as halfway through the season, he had already spent his $350,000 signing bonus. It was later confirmed that even before Art Schlichter joined the Colts, he owed thousands of dollars to bookmakers.

Gambling with bookies, Art Schlichter's losses continued to pile up. At the time, betting was illegal across the United States with few exceptions and as pressure from bookmakers arose, Schlichter contacted the FBI and helped bring those bad actors down.

After the ordeal with the FBI, early in 1983, Art Schlichter was suspended from professional football indefinitely. This wasn't surprising considering the League's strict rules when it comes to gambling. Schlichter's suspension was the first gambling-related suspension in 20 years since two other players were booted after betting on NFL games in 1963. In the end, Commissioner Pete Rozelle agreed to reduce Schlichter's suspension to 13 months and he returned for the 1984 season.

After participating in several games from the 1985 season, Schlichter was released by the Colts, amid concerns about his gambling activities. Then, in 1986, he played briefly for the Buffalo Bills.

Amid personal issues which fueled his gambling addiction and depression, Art Schlichter didn't play professionally during the 1987 football season but returned in 1988 after signing a contract with the Canadian Football League's Ottawa Rough Riders. Due to an injury in midseason, Schlichter was in reserve for 30 days for the Rough Riders before they released him.

In 1990 and 1991, Art Schlichter played for the Arena Football League's (AFL) Detroit Drive. He recorded significant success and was recognized as an MVP. Then, in 1992, the Drive traded him to the Cincinnati Rockers.

While Art Schlichter helped the Rockers during the playoffs, he announced his retirement in October 1992. At the time, he said he plans to treat his gambling addiction and focus on his career in radio. However, details released later confirmed that after betting on AFL games, Schlichter would've been banned but was given the option to retire instead.

In short, Art Schlichter's professional football career wasn't lengthy and was accompanied by legal issues and gambling-addiction. Despite his college talent, which suggested a long and prosperous NFL career, Schlichter's case is an example of the dangers and devastating consequences of compulsive gambling. To this day, many football fans wonder what would've happened to Art Schlichter's career had the circumstances been different.

Art Schlichter legal woes

Pushed by compulsive gambling, Art Schlichter often accumulated significant gambling-related debt. Despite settling some of it and helping bring down bookmakers, his gambling addiction contributed to his decade-long legal troubles.

On multiple occasions, Schlichter was arrested on charges of fraud and theft, stemming from bad checks. This was identified as one of his schemes designed to get him big sums quickly, pretending to be an investor or to sell tickets for games. Fraudulent schemes have landed Art Schlichter in prison on multiple occasions.

Those legal troubles further reinforced his status as one of the tragic examples of wasted athletic potential. But his story also highlights the importance of mental health support, treatment and education, especially among college and young athletes who may find it difficult to navigate fame and be financially responsible.

In February 2024, police officers with the Ohio Highway Patrol found Art Schlichter next to his car. Search of the vehicle uncovered drugs, while Schlichter himself was found in possession of glass pipes. In August the following year, he pleaded guilty to felony drug possession and was sentenced to two years of probation along with frequent drug testing.

Conclusion

The story of Art Schlichter is one that inspired many young athletes, considering his successful college football career. At the same time, it is a cautionary tale of the devastating impact of compulsive gambling that may result in legal consequences over decades.

Despite his early football success, high NFL draft selection and significant potential, Art Schlichter career took a dark turn and was derailed over gambling-related issues. His unquestionable athletic accomplishments remain a centerpiece of his legacy, but sadly are inseparable from the legal troubles and hardships that followed him for years.

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