COLUMBUS, OHIO — Former Ohio State and NFL quarterback Art Schlichter (SHLEES'-tuhr) has pleaded guilty to state theft charges linked to a sports ticket-fraud scheme.
In a deal with prosecutors, Schlichter pleaded guilty Thursday to 13 counts and was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
The 51-year-old Schlichter also is expected to plead guilty soon to federal charges of bank and wire fraud and filing a false tax return.
He was arrested earlier this year on allegations he failed to deliver sports tickets to clients he'd charged hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Investigators say Schlichter used the money for personal expenses, for gambling and to repay older debts.
Schlichter played at Ohio State between 1978 and 1981 and for the Baltimore and Indianapolis Colts and Buffalo Bills.