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Home > Blogs > Big C's NFL Blitz > Archives > 2009 > August > 19 > Entry
Former Ohio State quarterback Art Schlichter tells all in latest book
Busted: The Rise and Fall of Art Schlichter;
New Book from Orange Frazer Press on Sale Nationwide September 1st;
Autobiography Details How Gambling Wrecked Family, Pro-Football Career
In 1978, Art Schlichter was one of the most actively recruited high school quarterbacks in America, chased by some of the legendary college coaches of the game, Bo Schembechler, Woody Hayes and Joe Paterno among them. But after a record-breaking four years at Ohio State, Schlichter’s bid at a pro-football career nosedived in a dramatic and public way.
In a new book from Orange Frazer Press, Schlichter and co-author Jeff Snook describe how Schlichter, a first round NFL draft pick in 1982, would fall more than $1 million in debt, become one of the biggest NFL flops of all-time and a full-fledged gambler and con man committing dozens of crimes that would send him to prison for more than a decade.
Busted, the Rise and Fall of Art Schlichter, tells the compelling story of how someone with fame, fortune and matinee idol looks was driven by the demons of a gripping addiction to steal from family and friends to support his gambling habit. The book is scheduled to go on sale nationwide on September 1.
An All-America collegiate player and top 10 Heisman trophy contender, Schlichter reveals his father’s burning desire to mold him into an idolized athlete who would win championships and make millions. Schlichter describes how a fateful interception led to Woody Hayes resignation and his frustration and anger with Earle Bruce’s conservative offense.
Drafted by the Baltimore Colts in 1982, Schlichter also reveals the causes behind his complete failure as an NFL quarterback and his suspension from the league in 1983. Schlichter also details how he used gambling to numb his self-inflicted pain until he contemplated suicide, and how he gambled away more than $120,000 in two days.
The father of two daughters, Schlichter’s compulsive gambling wrecked his marriage. Now living in Ohio in his boyhood hometown, Schlichter has been out of prison since 2006 and works as a sports commentator and helps others whose lives have been ruined by addiction.
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Comments
By truthoutthere
August 19, 2009 5:54 PM | Link to this
Can’t wait ‘til I tell my brother-in-law who was his coach! Get it together ART!
By flipper
August 19, 2009 8:47 PM | Link to this
It’s called “The Art of Gambling….Almost”
By I know him
August 19, 2009 9:57 PM | Link to this
This bum is a piece of crap!
By Festoon Fussnucker
August 20, 2009 9:39 AM | Link to this
Hey! Now there is a man with compassion! How about a few more kicks while he is down? That make you feel like you are the better person?
By BuckeyeBooster
August 20, 2009 11:17 AM | Link to this
Art is a man who lost almost everything in his life because of his addiction. If his book can save someone else from the same fate, I applaude him for writing it. He was a great Buckeye - let’s make sure we don’t forget that.
By Tom MArsh
August 20, 2009 11:34 AM | Link to this
Art, Go away…. please!
By Fred Cahall
August 20, 2009 1:34 PM | Link to this
As a person who is a member of a 12 step recovery program, I can assure you that both Art and I know we will never be cured. What we both have, one day at a time, is a daily reprieve based on our spiritual condition. I am from Art’s home town. I went to High School with his mother Mila, and played football with his father Max and uncle Dan. It is my understanding that Art is no longer seeking super star status, but is genuinely involved in helping those afflicted with his addiction. He deserves credit and respecct for this. So let’s back off with the vindictive comments, practice a little Christian charity and forgiveness, and give this man a chance to get through life one day at a time.
By whodey
August 20, 2009 1:48 PM | Link to this
I heard the Bengals were trying to sing him.
By Erika
August 20, 2009 1:58 PM | Link to this
Well put, Fred. I totally agree. If we hold someone to their past, we never give them the opportunity to become a better person in the present.I’m sure this book will help others who are struggling with their own demons see that there are better days ahead. I wish Art a lot of luck for today and many tomorrows.
By Jon
August 20, 2009 2:12 PM | Link to this
Art Schlichter …is this a good reason or example to not pass or allow casino gambling in Ohio ? I guess we all have our problems . Art was very athletically talented and we cannot blame anyone but ourselves when it comes to addiction ..True or False ?
By OSUgrad
August 28, 2009 6:03 PM | Link to this
Already read the book and I highly recommend it. It’s a great read. He revealed all the behind the scenes stuff at Ohio State and how he didn’t agree with Earle Bruce’s conservative offense. The gambling, prison and football stories are fascinating.