Major betting bust!

[db44]

MetroSource:

(Trenton, NJ) -- Phoenix Coyotes assistant head coach Rick Tocchet has been served a complaint into financing a gambling ring based out of New Jersey. WKYW-TV in Philadelphia reports Tocchet, along with Pittsburgh Penguins forward Mark Recchi were involved in a multi-million dollar gambling ring known as "Operation Slap Shot," which had been ongoing since October of 2005. Bets were reportedly placed on both college and professional sports. WPIV-TV also in Philadelphia, reports Coyotes head coach Wayne Gretzky's wife Janet is also involved, along with other NHL players. New Jersey State Trooper James Harney was arrested and charged with promoting gambling, money laundering and conspiracy and reportedly worked hand and hand with Tocchet in the daily operation of the venture.

[pinky]

I've yet to hear Mark Recchi's name mentioned in any other reports. Around Philly, where this is HUGE news, no current players' names have been given.

Tocchet apparently didn't immediately realize how serious these charges are. Rick never was a bright one.

[pinky]

A report tonight indicated that any players who were involved in placing bets will be questioned. If their story checks out, and there's no evidence of perjury, their names probably won't be released.

Jeremy Roenick has been mentioned as a possible bettor, but that may be as much because he's a notorious gambler, and we all knew that over a year ago.

[db44]

The Great One is now officially implicated:

MetroSource:

(Undated) -- Phoenix Coyotes coach and Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky may have known about a gambling ring allegedly financed by one of his associate coaches before it was revealed. The "Newark Star-Ledger" reports a wiretap by New Jersey state authorities caught Gretzky talking to associate coach Rick Tocchet about the gambling ring before it was ended on Monday. Gretzky has said he didn't know about the gambling ring until talking with Tocchet on Monday night. Law enforcement officials told the paper there is no evidence Gretzky made any bets, but authorities are looking to see if he placed an wagers through his wife, Janet Jones. Authorities are considering whether to issue a subpoena to Gretzky to testify before a grand jury.

Jones was reportedly one of the gamblers involved in the ring allegedly run by Tocchet and a New Jersey state trooper that took in almost two-million-dollars in bets in the past six weeks. The "Star-Ledger" reports Jones placed 500-thousand-dollars in best during that period, including 75-thousand-dollars on the Super Bowl. Officials say there are no indications any bets were placed on NHL games. Tocchet and trooper James Harney were charged Monday with money laundering, promoting gambling and conspiracy. Tocchet has denied the charges and has been granted a leave of absence from the team.

[pinky]

His top assistant coach (and good friend) and his wife are involved.

Does Gretzky have any idea how stupid he looked on tv? :greyno:

[db44]

He's a gnat's wing away from becoming Pete Rose. :greyno:

Did anyone believe, with Tocchet and his wife mentioned, that he didn't know about it?

[pinky]

So far, it doesn't sound like it's going to be as bad as the Pete Rose situation. From everything being said around here, which is pretty much ground zero (I live about halfway between the state trooper that's been charged and the other guy who was running it), they haven't yet uncovered any bets on hockey, only football and baseball. As long as there were no hockey bets made, no one should be banned from the Hall of Fame or the game.

And the NHL is at least taking action by calling Tocchet in to talk. I don't know whether his taking a leave from the Coyotes was his idea or the leagues, but either way, it's the right thing to do.