Former NFL loser says NBA indictments are just tip of gaming iceberg

Following the arrests of Chauncey Billups, Terry Rozier and Damon Jones on Thursday, one of the sports gaming’s most prominent figures said he suspects more arrests may 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 gambling incidents, and Thursday’s indictments could 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’re going to find that a lot of players have probably done that. More so in college, because they don’t make as much money as NBA players,” Schlichter told the OutKick host. Dan Dakich.

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“When I see small colleges, small universities, having players behind games for just a few hundred dollars, it shows how widespread this can become. Before it’s all over, I just think it’s going to explode,

“I think a lot of players are shaking right now worrying about that.”

Still, Schlichter was “perplexed” as to why Billups, or any other professional, would find themselves in this position.

Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, left, and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier (Imagn Images)

“I just don’t understand. These guys are making millions and millions of dollars. I just don’t know why they would risk their careers like that to do this. 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. It shocks me that they would take that risk. Especially the professional guys,” he said.

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Schlichter played at Ohio State, where his gambling addiction began. Throughout his adult life, Schlichter experienced legal trouble due to gambling and drugs. He served 10 years in prison from 2011 to 2021 for gambling-related theft and public indecency and admitted to stealing approximately $1.5 million for gambling fees and debts.

Billups, Rozier and Jones, the latter a 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 had been placed on immediate leave from their teams, “and we will continue to cooperate with the appropriate authorities.”

Terry Rozier of the Charlotte Hornets brings the ball down the 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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