5 NFL stars who faced suspension for gambling

Players who were suspended from the NFL for gambling

#3 - Art Schlichter

Art Schlichter, Image Credit: Bleacher Report

Art Schlichter may be the most notorious gambler in NFL history. He admits that it was an addiction that caused him to lose a ton of money, as well as his career. He got into trouble with the law multiple times for committing crimes related to the addiction.

Schlichter was selected in the 1982 Draft and was suspended for the 1983 season for gambling on games. He tried to make a comeback for the 1987 season but was arrested for running an illegal gambling ring. He has battled the issue for a long time and recently spent ten years in prison from 2011 to 2021 for gambling-related theft.

#4 - Alex Karras

Alex Karras, Image Credit: WXYZ Detroit

Alex Karras may be remembered more for being an actor in popular movies and TV shows like Blazing Saddles and Webster, but before that, he was an All-Pro defensive lineman for the Detroit Lions and was eventually selected to the Hall of Fame.

Karras was suspended for the entire 1963 season after honestly admitting that he was gambling on games. He apologized for his decision and claimed to regret his mistakes. He was reinstated after his suspension and played seven more seasons for the Lions.

#5 - Paul Hornung

Paul Hornung, Image Credit: Legacy.com

Paul Hornung was suspended for the entire 1963 season for gambling on games, the same season Alex Karras was suspended as well. Hornung was one of the best players in the league at the time, winning the 1961 NFL MVP award and contributing to the Green Bay Packers winning the first Super Bowl in history.

Hornung reportedly believes that the league made a bit of an example out of him, as he claims many other players were doing it as well. Suspending one of the best and most popular players would send a message to them to stop. It appears to have worked, but Hornung was not particularly happy about it, admitting that many years later.