NFL flop whose career was marred by gambling addiction predicts NBA allegations are ‘the start of something big’

After Chauncey Billups, Terry Rozier and Damon Jones were arrested Thursday, one of the sports game’s most prominent figures said he suspects more arrests could be on the way.

Art Schlichter, the fourth overall pick in the 1982 NFL Draft whose career was marred by a gambling addiction, predicted in a recent appearance with OutKick that “probably a lot of players” have been involved in sports betting incidents, and Thursday’s allegations may be “the start of something big.”

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Art Schlichter in action against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium. (Tony Tomsic/USA Today Network)

“I think you’ll find that probably a lot of players have done this. Even more so in college, because they don’t make the money that NBA players make,” Schlichter told OutKick host Dan Dakich.

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“When I see that smaller colleges and universities have players behind games for only a few hundred dollars, that shows how widespread it can become. Before it’s all over, I think it’s going to explode.

“I think a lot of players are shaking with worry about this.”

However, Schlichter was “baffled” why Billups, or any professional, would find himself in this position.

Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, left, and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier. (Image images)

“I just don’t understand it. These guys are making millions and millions of dollars. I just don’t know why they would risk their careers like that to do that. I don’t know if they have an addiction or not, or if they think they’re better than the law or the NBA or whatever. I’m surprised they take that risk. Especially the pro guys,” he said.

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Schlichter starred at Ohio State, where his gambling addiction began. Throughout his adult life, Schlichter has had legal problems related to gambling and drugs. He served 10 years in prison from 2011 to 2021 on gambling-related theft and public indecency charges and admitted to stealing approximately $1.5 million for gambling costs and debts.

Billups, Rozier and Jones, the last defendant in both cases, were charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The NBA announced that Billups and Rozier were immediately suspended from their teams, “and we will continue to cooperate with relevant authorities.”

Terry Rozier of the Charlotte Hornets brings the ball up court against the Philadelphia 76ers during a game at Spectrum Center on January 20, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)

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“The integrity of our game remains our top priority,” the NBA said.

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