Art Schlichter
Latest Stories
AP_110915069501
Art Schlichter was picked fourth in 1982 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Colts. Known for his compulsive gambling and the legal problems that arose from it, he blew his entire signing bonus by midseason. His gambling spiraled out of control during the 1982 NFL strike, including him losing $20,000 betting on college football. By the end of the strike, he had at least $700,000 in gambling debts. Over the years, Schlichter has, by his own count, committed more than 20 felonies. Between 1995 and 2006, he served the equivalent of 10 years in 44 various prisons and jails across the Midwest. His various legal problems, including fraud cases and forgery, among others, were often well-publicized. For example, he was so consumed by his habit that he had his public defender smuggle a cell phone into prison so he could place bets. On February 9, 2011, reports emerged that Schlichter was under investigation for fraud. Schlichter was charged with a first-degree felony in connection with the theft of more than $1 million on February 14, 2011. On September 15, 2011, Schlichter was sentenced to 10 years in state prison for his involvement in a million-dollar ticket scam. As a result of a positive drug test, Schlicter was sentenced to 10 years, 7 months in federal prison to be served concurrently with the Ohio sentence, plus $2.2 million in restitution; the Indiana probation was canceled with the federal sentence.
AP110915034729
Former Ohio State and NFL quarterback Art Schlichter, left, enters the Franklin County Common Pleas Court Thursday, Sept 15, 2011, in Columbus, Ohio. In a deal with prosecutors, Schlichter pleaded guilty Thursday to 13 counts and was sentenced to 10 years in prison. The 51-year-old Schlichter also is expected to plead guilty soon to federal charges of bank and wire fraud and filing a false tax return. (AP Photo/Terry Gilliam)
