I played sports against Art through grade school and with him in high school. In biddy basketball, 5th and 6th grade, Art's team would score 34 points and Art would score 32 of them. He worked as hard as anyone possibly could in each game. I would compare his game effort to Aaron Craft except on offense as well as defense. He was relentless. After the games he would be so exhausted he would go home and collapse on the couch for the rest of the day he was so exhausted. You could see he oozed athletic supremacy even then, it was unquestionable. In football, 7th and 8th grade (our school systems first yr of organized football) he was a stud. He could throw so hard if you did not catch the ball with your hands, you would have imprints of the laces on your chest. You learned to catch with your hands quickly. I unfortunately played tight end. He never lost a game as they were usually over by halftime. He went on to set most all records in our school (Miami Trace) in football and basketball. He was an athlete that was once in a lifetime....without a doubt. What caused all his demons is anyones guess but he was idolized by all. Woody Hayes walked our halls in pursuit of him several times. His mother is a wonderful person. My heart aches for this family and I pray for Art to at least somehow eventually find peace. "There but for the grace of God goes I".
Does anyone suppose that there is going to be a "football concussion syndrome" defense coming up in the cases of U.S. v. Schlichter and Ohio v. Schlichter? It's pretty hard to do in the trial phase; a lot easier to do at sentencing (where he's at now). Hard to imagine that Art would ever sue the NFL or OSU, etc.; that money would be gone in restitution faster than his attorneys could sign the paperwork.
There are a couple of funny ones in the Dispatch's accompanying comments thread; I laughed at the suggestion of brain scans for anyone who loaned Art any money.
The article concludes with a comment that I think may be untrue; it says that Art began to gamble excessively only after he joined the NFL. Is that true? Or was he (as I seem to recall) betting excessively (though not disastrously) on the trotters with his dad when he was still in school at OSU?
He's arguably the most insightful and articulate poster on here. I, for one, applaud the fact that he is willing to share his insights with us. Sure, I disagree with his allegiance, but I respect the man and his opinions. Remember what Urban said about our rivalry, the defining aspect amongst all the intensity is the respect. Pay it forward my man, pay it forward.
Thanks, guys. Absolutely no hard feelings on this one. If this was the only thing I had ever posted at 11W, it would have come off as chippy at best and outright trolling at worst. Kicking guys when they are down is not good; and beating up on a rival's bad apples when your rivals have already taken the guy to task is also not good. I remember (very well!) Schlichter as a sporty, very game QB and I for one appreciate in particular appreciate the first (and best) comment in this thread.
My real point was about the concussion syndrome thing in the context of this legal proceeding. This concussion business is scary for all of us as football fans. It is a real simmering threat to the game we all love to watch, and I don't see it getting any easier in the immediate future.
I will truly, honestly look forward to the day when Art Schlichter and his family can enjoy a healthy life in peace. And I'll give you a corollary, from up here in Ann Arbor; it is none other than Billy Taylor from Barberton, Michigan's All-American '69 and '70 tailback who made something of a career rushing against Ohio State. Hitting the depths of substance abuse, homelessness and felony imprisonment after his Michigan career ended and his mother died within weeks. But reborn as a Christian and now living a full life:
I got your back M Man. I find your comments insightful and thought provoking, and though you are a rival, I will gladly unite with you any time in our opposition against a common enemy: those who support a playoff system. #savetherosebowl
I wouldn't call a thing you've written trolling--I've been reading this site for almost a year now (only signed up two weeks ago), and haven't seen anything remotely close to that.
In response to your earlier question about Schlichter's gambling habits, I believe you're right. In fact, I believe he was even seen at Scioto Downs with Mr. Earle Bruce (not sure if it was after playing for OSU or not, but it was before he was drafted--raised some red flags I think).
I too hope one day he can--like the proverbial phoenix--raise from the ashes of his addictions and misdeeds, but I fear he never will. I recall reading multiple pieces a few years back about how he'd completely reformed himself--I almost feel bad, but it's tough to feel pity for those who gamble their way into debt and steal from others to get out again.
Before any false rumors start, Arts best friend in high school, his father trained race horses for a living. That is actually where it all started. If Bruce had anything to do with it, it was just that they met up there. Art was schooled in gambling long before ever meeting Earle.
An old WWII vet used to work for me that despised Germans. Some may think obvious reasons as any mention of one or any run-in would exude these feelings. After seeing this for some time I eventually asked him about it and this was his reason. During the war in an area away from battle there was a German descendant that was on the allied side of things. Not military, and I never really understood what his position was, but to make a long story short, he was trusted with pertinent info that could damage ally interests. The brass all loved the guy but everyone else always sensed something was up with him and that he could possibly not be trustworthy. Brass would not listen to concerns brought of this individual from the enlisted until one day it was found he was sending certain info to the Germans/Hitler. Thus, one could never be trusted, in his eyes.
Needless to say UM posters are not close to Hitler as I may soon be accused. But it is hard to completely trust them as has been shown. The old "fox in the henhouse" comes to mind. Take it for what you will but I will back my Buckeye brethren before any, always. Just try to be cordial while putting them in their place....
Ahh, that explains the connection then...wasn't trying to accuse ol' Earle of anything.
Make no mistake, I meant no offense to the other poster, but what makes this site such a wonderful resource is the mutual respect we all have for each other. Now, if someone's trolling (m1ek), gimme a pitchfork and I'll lead the witch hunt. But we shouldn't be rude to a respectful fan of another team just because he roots for them, any more than the members of Mgoblog doing the same to a non-trolling OSU fan.
Comments
I played sports against Art through grade school and with him in high school. In biddy basketball, 5th and 6th grade, Art's team would score 34 points and Art would score 32 of them. He worked as hard as anyone possibly could in each game. I would compare his game effort to Aaron Craft except on offense as well as defense. He was relentless. After the games he would be so exhausted he would go home and collapse on the couch for the rest of the day he was so exhausted. You could see he oozed athletic supremacy even then, it was unquestionable. In football, 7th and 8th grade (our school systems first yr of organized football) he was a stud. He could throw so hard if you did not catch the ball with your hands, you would have imprints of the laces on your chest. You learned to catch with your hands quickly. I unfortunately played tight end. He never lost a game as they were usually over by halftime. He went on to set most all records in our school (Miami Trace) in football and basketball. He was an athlete that was once in a lifetime....without a doubt. What caused all his demons is anyones guess but he was idolized by all. Woody Hayes walked our halls in pursuit of him several times. His mother is a wonderful person. My heart aches for this family and I pray for Art to at least somehow eventually find peace. "There but for the grace of God goes I".
Does anyone suppose that there is going to be a "football concussion syndrome" defense coming up in the cases of U.S. v. Schlichter and Ohio v. Schlichter? It's pretty hard to do in the trial phase; a lot easier to do at sentencing (where he's at now). Hard to imagine that Art would ever sue the NFL or OSU, etc.; that money would be gone in restitution faster than his attorneys could sign the paperwork.
There are a couple of funny ones in the Dispatch's accompanying comments thread; I laughed at the suggestion of brain scans for anyone who loaned Art any money.
The article concludes with a comment that I think may be untrue; it says that Art began to gamble excessively only after he joined the NFL. Is that true? Or was he (as I seem to recall) betting excessively (though not disastrously) on the trotters with his dad when he was still in school at OSU?
It's sad that we as fans can't pound our chests over one of our greatest quarterbacks.
Dustin Fox was our leading tackler as a corner.... because his guy always caught the ball.
Hey m man I thought this was a site for osu fans not scUM
" I went for two cause I couldn't go for three."
-woody Hayes
you thought wrong.
He's arguably the most insightful and articulate poster on here. I, for one, applaud the fact that he is willing to share his insights with us. Sure, I disagree with his allegiance, but I respect the man and his opinions. Remember what Urban said about our rivalry, the defining aspect amongst all the intensity is the respect. Pay it forward my man, pay it forward.
Thanks, guys. Absolutely no hard feelings on this one. If this was the only thing I had ever posted at 11W, it would have come off as chippy at best and outright trolling at worst. Kicking guys when they are down is not good; and beating up on a rival's bad apples when your rivals have already taken the guy to task is also not good. I remember (very well!) Schlichter as a sporty, very game QB and I for one appreciate in particular appreciate the first (and best) comment in this thread.
My real point was about the concussion syndrome thing in the context of this legal proceeding. This concussion business is scary for all of us as football fans. It is a real simmering threat to the game we all love to watch, and I don't see it getting any easier in the immediate future.
I will truly, honestly look forward to the day when Art Schlichter and his family can enjoy a healthy life in peace. And I'll give you a corollary, from up here in Ann Arbor; it is none other than Billy Taylor from Barberton, Michigan's All-American '69 and '70 tailback who made something of a career rushing against Ohio State. Hitting the depths of substance abuse, homelessness and felony imprisonment after his Michigan career ended and his mother died within weeks. But reborn as a Christian and now living a full life:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_Taylor_(American_football)
I hope for the same outcome for Art Schlichter. If Billy Taylor has already spoken with Schlichter, it would surprise me not at all.
I got your back M Man. I find your comments insightful and thought provoking, and though you are a rival, I will gladly unite with you any time in our opposition against a common enemy: those who support a playoff system. #savetherosebowl
I wouldn't call a thing you've written trolling--I've been reading this site for almost a year now (only signed up two weeks ago), and haven't seen anything remotely close to that.
In response to your earlier question about Schlichter's gambling habits, I believe you're right. In fact, I believe he was even seen at Scioto Downs with Mr. Earle Bruce (not sure if it was after playing for OSU or not, but it was before he was drafted--raised some red flags I think).
I too hope one day he can--like the proverbial phoenix--raise from the ashes of his addictions and misdeeds, but I fear he never will. I recall reading multiple pieces a few years back about how he'd completely reformed himself--I almost feel bad, but it's tough to feel pity for those who gamble their way into debt and steal from others to get out again.
Before any false rumors start, Arts best friend in high school, his father trained race horses for a living. That is actually where it all started. If Bruce had anything to do with it, it was just that they met up there. Art was schooled in gambling long before ever meeting Earle.
An old WWII vet used to work for me that despised Germans. Some may think obvious reasons as any mention of one or any run-in would exude these feelings. After seeing this for some time I eventually asked him about it and this was his reason. During the war in an area away from battle there was a German descendant that was on the allied side of things. Not military, and I never really understood what his position was, but to make a long story short, he was trusted with pertinent info that could damage ally interests. The brass all loved the guy but everyone else always sensed something was up with him and that he could possibly not be trustworthy. Brass would not listen to concerns brought of this individual from the enlisted until one day it was found he was sending certain info to the Germans/Hitler. Thus, one could never be trusted, in his eyes.
Needless to say UM posters are not close to Hitler as I may soon be accused. But it is hard to completely trust them as has been shown. The old "fox in the henhouse" comes to mind. Take it for what you will but I will back my Buckeye brethren before any, always. Just try to be cordial while putting them in their place....
Ahh, that explains the connection then...wasn't trying to accuse ol' Earle of anything.
Make no mistake, I meant no offense to the other poster, but what makes this site such a wonderful resource is the mutual respect we all have for each other. Now, if someone's trolling (m1ek), gimme a pitchfork and I'll lead the witch hunt. But we shouldn't be rude to a respectful fan of another team just because he roots for them, any more than the members of Mgoblog doing the same to a non-trolling OSU fan.