COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — An attorney for former Ohio State and NFL quarterback Art Schlichter (SHLEES’-tur) says if his client goes on trial in a theft case, Ohio should not be the place.
Schlichter pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to all charges in a 13-count indictment returned on April 30. The 51-year-old football veteran is accused of bilking people in what authorities have described as a million-dollar ticket-selling scheme.
Attorney Sam Weiner (WY’-nur) said outside court that publicity over the case has “poisoned the well” for any trial in Columbus. He quipped to reporters that Schlichter could probably get a fairer trial in Ann Arbor — home of Ohio State’s traditional football rival, Michigan.
Schlichter’s football playing career was done in by a gambling addiction, and he went to prison for gambling-related crimes.
