NEWNow you can listen to Pak Gazette articles!
After Chauncey Billups, Terry Rozier and Damon Jones were arrested Thursday, one of the most prominent figures in betting and sports said he fears more are 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.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PakGazette.Com
“When I see that smaller colleges and universities have players behind games for only a few hundred dollars, that shows how widespread it can get. Before it’s all over, I think it’s going to explode.”
“I think a lot of players are shaking with worry about this.”
And yet, Schlichter was “baffled” as to why Billups, or any pro, would find himself in this position.
(Left) Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups talks to a referee during a timeout in the first half against the Sacramento Kings at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon, on Oct. 10, 2025. (Right) Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier (2) leaves the court after the game against the Detroit Pistons at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan on November 12. 2024. (Jaime Valdez/Imagn Images; Rick Osentoski/Imagn 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.
7 NBA GAMES THE DOJ SAYS WERE AFFECTED BY HIGH STAKE BETTING AFTER INSIDER INFORMATION WAS LEAKED TO PLAYERS
Schlichter starred at Ohio State, but that’s where his gambling addiction began. Throughout his adult life, Schlichter has had legal problems stemming from 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 #3 of the Charlotte Hornets brings the ball up court against the Philadelphia 76ers during their game at the Spectrum Center on January 20, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
“The integrity of our game remains our top priority,” the NBA said.
