Semi-OT: Art Schlichter's Downward Spiral Continues
Fascinating story out today on former OSU quarterback Art Schlichter, who is 60 years old and still in jail. LINK.
Schlichter was a four-year starter for the Buckeyes, and he was 2-2 against us. His four years in college mirrored my four years, so I got to see him a lot, and he's still one of the best college quarterbacks I've ever seen. With gambling, fraud and a ton of other bad decisions, he pissed away what could have been a remarkable career. He's one of the all-time NFL busts.
Here's my Schlichter story:
In early 1982, I was writing for the Daily, and I was assigned to do a story on the Wolverines who were taking part in the Hula Bowl, an all-star game in Hawaii. I remember calling the hotel they were staying at and waking Butch Woolfolk from a deep sleep (because I was a young idiot and didn't know about time zones). But Butch was graceful and kind and had no problem talking with me.
We had just come off a very disappointing season (ranked No. 1, lost to Wisconsin in the opener), and Butch's QB in the Hula Bown was going to be Art Schlichter. They had been practicing all week, and Woolfolk couldn't stop talking about how great it was to play with him. "He pitches the ball better than anyone I've ever played with," he said. "It's always in the perfect place, and it's so soft. He's just great."
Unbeknownst to all of us, Schlichter was already under investigation for gambling. What a waste of a life.
This story resurfaces every 8 years or so. We probably know a person like Art. Maybe a friend or family member. So, when it’s my turn to help the aforementioned persons I will do my best to help.
Can't help a criminal who refuses accountability. And there are probably some yentas here who think it's not his fault and he's a victim.
I bet the over this thread is not going to end well.
If Ryan Leaf had a role model for how to implode one's highly promising career, Art Schlichter would have been it. They just went about it in different ways.
Cool story, bro. I too lived in Bursley. It's been thirty-five years and, with therapy, I am beginning to live a normal life.
I didn't realize he had a Parkinson's diagnosis. Although never a fan of Schlichter or his alma mater, I wouldn't wish that diagnosis on anyone as I am watching my father now trudge through Phase 4 of it, which includes dementia symptoms. It is not fun to slowly lose a parent before you will inevitably lose them.
Been there (that stage of Parkinson's) with a close relative, to the end. My thoughts are with you.
The fact that this guy, whom I remember watching and rooting against, is 60, is making me feel super old.
In the land of second chances, he never got it together. How sad.
I will always remember him for throwing the interception that turned Woody into a raving lunatic who incredibly decided to attack a fully outfitted Clemson player on national TV and lost his job over it.
No matter how you slice it...based upon fanhood or otherwise....just sad! Their great players and villains...will always be intertwined with our history/memories.
still making bets even in prison.
But i guess if he doesn't have anything else to do; why not?
I have mixed feelings. He did bring championship football to Detroit with the Drive. Those were six magical years.
And he threw the pick to Charlie Bauman. (if anyone knows how I can get my hands on a Clemson #58 jersey please let me know.)
I had one custom made years ago. It has REALLY tweaked some Bucknuts along the way.
DAMMIT! How did I forget he played for the Detroit Drive? A-plus for the reminder, Gustave.
I went to the same HS as Art and grew up playing football and grew up in general with all his nephews. Used to spend time at his brothers house for pool parties and cookouts. Nice people, maybe a little into themselves but still nice people. I can say from my perspective that it has been a burden on his whole family and somewhat of a curse.
Addiction is a bitch.
As a result of personal/family experience, I can very easily understand alcohol and drug addiction, but the addictive allure of gambling is completely mystifying to me.
August 9th, 2020 at 10:41 PM ^
different freeway - same destination (unfortunately)
As a result of personal/family experience, I can very easily understand alcohol and drug addiction, but the addictive allure of gambling is completely mystifying to me.
Schlichter was a great college QB, and I had the misfortune of watching him lead the Buckeyes to two agonizingly close victories in Michigan Stadium in ‘79 and ‘81.
August 9th, 2020 at 10:26 PM ^
Its not really a downward spiral if you're pretty much a scumbag all your life. He is who he is and has always been.
August 10th, 2020 at 3:08 AM ^
That’s dreadful. He should be given a humanitarian release at his age and condition.