Former Ohio State quarterback again facing drug-related charge

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Art Schlichter, the former Ohio State quarterback who has struggled with drug and gambling addictions since his playing days in the late 1970s, again is facing a drug-related charge.

Franklin County Common Pleas Court records show Schlichter, 64, of Columbus, was indicted Friday on a charge of possession of drugs, a fifth-degree felony. The charge comes after Schlichter reportedly was found in February with crack pipes in the pockets of his pants.

Schlichter was arrested in Columbus after a state trooper found cocaine in his car, according to court records. Records indicate Schlichter handed the officer the crack pipes. Officers also found cocaine and other drug paraphernalia, records show.

Schlichter has an extensive criminal history. Most recently, a Franklin County judge in September sentenced the 63-year-old to a year of probation for cocaine possession. The charge was filed after Schlichter was found unresponsive in a hotel in June 2022.

Schlichter played at Ohio State from 1978 to 1981 and threw for 7,547 yards and 50 touchdowns in 48 games. He was a two-time All-Big Ten quarterback and was taken by the Colts with the fourth pick in the 1982 NFL Draft.

He only played 13 games in the NFL as he was suspended multiple times for gambling.

Schlichter was released from federal prison in June of 2021 on parole, serving nine years of a prison sentence for charges of federal fraud. He was in prison for his role in a scheme where he promised prospective buyers tickets to college and NFL football games but never delivered them.