For the first time in 15 months, Reggie Rucker is a free man.
On Friday, he spoke exclusively with Channel 3’s Andrew Horansky about his time in federal prison and the one thing that humbled him most.
“I suffered a lot. I’ve lost a lot,” he said.
In late 2016, Rucker was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison for embezzlement, yet he only ended up serving 15 months.
He was recognized on the inside by Browns and Steelers fans alike, but says he often thought about his wife.
“Lying in those cots, you know, you think, you know ‘she didn’t deserve what you did’ and ‘she often spoke to you a lot about your gambling,’” he said.
Rucker’s weakness was blackjack.
He admits he spent as much as $5,000 a hand. It led to debt, and ultimately, the embezzling of more than $110 thousand from nonprofits he oversaw.
“Addictions are so overwhelming and overpowering that all you can think of is satisfying that need,” he said.
Rucker also noted seeing women leaving boyfriends and husbands while they were in prison. He is grateful his wife stayed by his side.
“She could’ve left me, and I didn’t think about that a lot until I was in prison,” he said.
Rucker does not rule out writing a book and gladly discusses the dangers of gambling addiction.
In the meantime, his restitution is not complete. Part of his NFL pension payments are being garnished to cover it. Money from a possible NFL settlement over concussions could also be used.