Throughout history there have been quite a few players famously associated with gambling, whether that be through scandals, suspensions, or off-the-field habits.
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5.) Calvin Ridley (NFL)
Scandal: In the 2021 season, Atlanta Falcons star wide receiver Ridley was on the team's "Non-Football Illness list" to address his mental health, and during this time it was found out that he had placed multiple parlay bets on NFL games. Notably, this entailed doing picks on his own team. Reportedly, the amount was believed to be $1,500 initially, however updated reports show it was as much as $3,900 (6 bets on Falcons) and much more (over $32,000) on other sports
To point out, every bet Ridley placed was a "loss," so there was no concern over betting with insider information by the NFL.
Impact: Ridley was suspended for the 2022 season, yet he was re-instated in 2023. More recently Ridley signed a four-year/$92 million contract ($50 million guaranteed) with the Tennessee Titans.
4.) Alex Karras & Paul Hornung (NFL)
Scandal: Star Green Bay Packers running back Paul Hornung (1961 NFL MVP) and dominant Detroit Lions defensive lineman Alex Karras were caught betting on NFL games. That is, Hornung admitted to betting on games ($100-500 wagers), while Karras not only bet on games but also owned a bar where sports gambling was prevalent.
Commissioner Pete Rozelle handed down an indefinite suspension for both players, that kept them out of the entire 1963 season.
Impact: This was the first major gambling scandal in NFL history. To note, Hornung was eventually inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1986), while Karras also was inducted in 2020 (posthumously).
3.) Art Schlichter (NFL)
Scandal: Ohio State quarterback Schlichter was drafted No. 4 overall in the 1982 NFL Draft, yet instead of becoming the face of the franchise, his career ended due to his gambling addiction. Starting in his college days, he would bet large sums of money, and in his rookie season in the NFL it was said he lost more than $700,000.
Impact: Schlichter's faced suspensions, was later reinstated in the 1984 season, yet never played another down in his career. In view of his retirement life, the former star QB even served multiple years in prison. In total, Schlichter was arrested more than 40 times, and served a 10+ year sentence for running ticket scams ($2.2 million) in an attempt to repay bookies.
2.) Shoeless Joe Jackson (MLB)
Scandal: Despite being one of the greatest MLB shortstops (.356 career average- 3rd highest all-time), Jackson is most known for his involvement in the 1919 Black Sox scandal, where he was accused of helping throw the World Series. Allegedly, Jackson received $5,000 (equivalent to $90,000 now), however, there are claims that he did not fully participate in this scheme. To note, during the Series, Jackson had 12 hits, batting .375 (set a World Series record). Not to mention, he also had no errors in the field and hit the only home run in the Series.
Impact: Notably, Jackson and seven of his teammates got banned for life, yet there will always be a debate surrounding "Shoeless" Joe's role in this scandal.
1.) Pete Rose (MLB)
Scandal: In 1989 the MLB launched an investigation on former 17x All-Star Pete Rose, discovering he had bet on games while managing the Reds. In view of the wagers, Rose allegedly placed bets daily, which ranged from $2,000-$10,000 per game with illegal bookies.
Impact: Rose was handed a lifetime ban, which means he is still not in the Hall of Fame. Many feel Rose's off-the-field gambling should not impact his acceptance into the HOF, considering he is the MLB's all-time hits leader (4,256).
