buckbuster11 Posted February 8, 2006 Report Share Posted February 8, 2006 Thoughts? I think this is going to get real ugly.... Gretzky's wife, Tocchet, NHL players cited in gambling ring By BOB BAUM, AP Sports Writer February 8, 2006 GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) -- Rick Tocchet, Wayne Gretzky's close friend and top assistant coach, headed to New York to face NHL commissioner Gary Bettman after he was implicated as the financier of a nationwide sports betting ring. In an investigation they called "Operation Slapshot," New Jersey authorities said several NHL players -- and Gretzy's wife -- were among those placing bets, although not on hockey. Gretzky, revered as hockey's greatest player and now in his first season as Phoenix Coyotes coach, said he was unaware of any gambling accusations until Tocchet called him Monday night. "The sad thing about this whole scenario is that Rick is a wonderful person and a great guy, so I hope everything works out in his favor," Gretzky said after his team's 3-1 loss to Chicago on Tuesday night. "It's hard because I love the guy. He's a great guy, you know. I just hope it all works out for him." He said his wife, actress Janet Jones, would at some point discuss the allegations against her. "First of all, my wife is my best friend," Gretzky said. "My love for her is deeper than anything. The reality is, I'm not involved, I wasn't involved and I'm not going to be involved. Am I concerned for both of them? Sure there's concern from me. I'm more worried about them than me. ... I'm trying to figure it all out." Two law enforcement officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because no bettors have been publicly identified, told The Associated Press that Gretzky's wife was among those implicated. Gretzky said his wife was in California and they talked, but she did not speak about her involvement. "We didn't get into it other than she was concerned about Rick and she felt it was a tough situation with him," Gretzky said. When asked if she had placed bets for him, Gretzky said "absolutely not." Except for trips to Las Vegas, Gretzky said he does not gamble. State police Col. Rick Fuentes said an investigation into the New Jersey-based ring discovered the processing of more than 1,000 wagers, exceeding $1.7 million, on professional and college sports, mostly football and basketball. The developments came at a sensitive time for the NHL, which is trying to win back fans after a season-long lockout and just days before many of its best players will showcase their talents at the Turin Olympics. Tocchet was served with a criminal complaint Monday and was expected to travel to New Jersey to answer charges of promoting gambling, money laundering and conspiracy, Fuentes said. A criminal complaint informs Tocchet of authorities' intention to formally charge him and the need for him to arrange to travel to New Jersey for charging, or face arrest. "It's not a hockey-related issue, it's a football thing. And at this time, I can't comment any further," Tocchet said after the Coyotes practiced Tuesday. Tocchet acknowledged that a New Jersey state trooper arrested in connection with the gambling ring case is his friend. Tocchet said he would cooperate with the investigation, but didn't answer when asked if he'd surrender to authorities. "We understand that Mr. Tocchet's conduct in no way involved betting on hockey," NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said. "And, while betting on football or other sports may be the pervasive issue, it in no way justifies poor judgment or otherwise alleged inappropriate conduct." Daly said the NHL was conducting its own investigation. Authorities said Tocchet and state police Trooper James Harney were partners in the operation, with the former Philadelphia Flyers star providing the financing. "Tocchet received illegal sports bets from wagers and funneled money back to New Jersey," Fuentes said. Tocchet, one of three associate coaches on the Coyotes' staff, took over the head coaching duties for 10 days in December while Gretzky was with his dying mother. The 41-year-old Tocchet played 18 years with six teams, including three seasons with the Coyotes from 1997-00. He's one of only four players in NHL history to collect 400 goals and 2,000 penalty minutes. Tocchet was a fan favorite wherever he played, including two stints with the Flyers (1984-92, 2000-02). "I think everybody is surprised," Flyers center Peter Forsberg said. "It's definitely not good for the sport to hear something like that." Harney, 40, was arrested Monday and has been suspended from the force. The eight-year police veteran was charged in an arrest warrant with official misconduct, promoting gambling, money laundering and conspiracy. Another man accused of taking bets is James Ulmer, 40, who was charged with promoting gambling, money laundering and conspiracy. Both men were free after posting 10 percent of their bail. Harney had $100,000 bail, Ulmer $50,000. The two were expected to be arraigned within two weeks. The gambling ring had a connection with organized crime in Philadelphia and southern New Jersey, Fuentes said. Starting Monday night, authorities seized property from Harney and Ulmer. State police seized $27,000 in currency, "voluminous" amounts of sports betting information and bank accounts worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, Fuentes said. Associated Press Writer Chris Newmarker in Ewing, N.J., contributed to this report. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Master_Chief Posted February 8, 2006 Report Share Posted February 8, 2006 Re: Gretzky\'s wife, Tocchet, in gambling ring I agree. This could really hurt alot of people. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muff Posted February 8, 2006 Report Share Posted February 8, 2006 Re: Gretzky\'s wife, Tocchet, in gambling ring I have been waiting for more news all day.....man oh man this could be UGLY...just before the Olympics....Gretzky must be out of his mind!!!!!!...this is going to be bad for the game! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tominator Posted February 8, 2006 Report Share Posted February 8, 2006 Re: Gretzky\'s wife, Tocchet, in gambling ring Yep, could get ugly. Too bad it looks like the great one is going to be tarnished a bit. I sure hope not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MUDRUNNER Posted February 8, 2006 Report Share Posted February 8, 2006 Re: Gretzky\'s wife, Tocchet, in gambling ring [ QUOTE ] Too bad it looks like the great one is going to be tarnished a bit. [/ QUOTE ] I agree. I don't think much will come of sentencings.A lot of large fines and probation and that may be all they get. I'm still waiting to hear more on the story,it seems like there are a lot of questions out there still. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LETMGROW Posted February 8, 2006 Report Share Posted February 8, 2006 Re: Gretzky\'s wife, Tocchet, in gambling ring Maybe The "GREAT ONE" is really the "GREEDY ONE" He claims his wife is her own person! He didn't know? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muff Posted February 8, 2006 Report Share Posted February 8, 2006 Re: Gretzky\'s wife, Tocchet, in gambling ring I just heard that J.R. may be in it to????????? he was a team mate of Tocchet's in Philie. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superguide Posted February 8, 2006 Report Share Posted February 8, 2006 Re: Gretzky\'s wife, Tocchet, in gambling ring J.R. will definately have something to say about it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VermontHunter Posted February 9, 2006 Report Share Posted February 9, 2006 Re: Gretzky\'s wife, Tocchet, in gambling ring [ QUOTE ] J.R. will definately have something to say about it. [/ QUOTE ] OH !! You can bet on that one... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superguide Posted February 9, 2006 Report Share Posted February 9, 2006 Re: Gretzky\'s wife, Tocchet, in gambling ring Remember it's all rumour so far. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VermontHunter Posted February 9, 2006 Report Share Posted February 9, 2006 Re: Gretzky\'s wife, Tocchet, in gambling ring Well this was released by the NHL.... Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly statement regarding allegations against Rick Tocchet NEW YORK -- National Hockey League Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly today issued the following statement regarding allegations against Phoenix Coyotes assistant coach Rick Tocchet: "We have just become aware of the allegations against Mr. Tocchet and the possible involvement of some unnamed players. "While we know little more than has been released publicly, we understand that Mr. Tocchet's conduct in no way involved betting on hockey. And, while betting on football or other sports may be the pervasive issue, it in no way justifies poor judgment or otherwise alleged inappropriate conduct. "With respect to the alleged conduct of the unnamed players, it is difficult to have any comment at this point, although everything we have heard, again, indicates it is not hockey-related. We take this issue very seriously and will monitor the proceedings closely." I think he covered this topic very well.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TreeStandBowHunter Posted February 9, 2006 Report Share Posted February 9, 2006 Re: Gretzky\'s wife, Tocchet, in gambling ring Oh yeah, this is going to get real ugly. Another black eye for the NHL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaun_300 Posted February 9, 2006 Report Share Posted February 9, 2006 Re: Gretzky\'s wife, Tocchet, in gambling ring Yeah, made the front page of the Ottawa Citizen this morning.... gonna be REAL bad I think... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muff Posted February 9, 2006 Report Share Posted February 9, 2006 Re: Gretzky\'s wife, Tocchet, in gambling ring yeah its no rumour....its for real....N.J. police are waiting for Tocchet to turn himself in.....WOW I wonder who eles is in this thing???? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superguide Posted February 9, 2006 Report Share Posted February 9, 2006 Re: Gretzky\'s wife, Tocchet, in gambling ring innocent till proven guilty-ever heard of that phrase. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muff Posted February 9, 2006 Report Share Posted February 9, 2006 Re: Gretzky\'s wife, Tocchet, in gambling ring [ QUOTE ] innocent till proven guilty-ever heard of that phrase. [/ QUOTE ] What I ment was it is no rumor that charges are being laid....should be some more news today. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tominator Posted February 9, 2006 Report Share Posted February 9, 2006 Re: Gretzky\'s wife, Tocchet, in gambling ring Watched a long bit on it yesterday on Sportscenter. The prosecuter was talking pretty confidently, says they have a lock tight case. I must say, he convinced me. I guess we'll see what happens. Innocent until proven guilty. Tocchet is to be arraigned in 7 to 10 days. One more thing--who's J.R.? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MUDRUNNER Posted February 9, 2006 Report Share Posted February 9, 2006 Re: Gretzky\'s wife, Tocchet, in gambling ring I think J.R. is Jeremy Roanake. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muff Posted February 9, 2006 Report Share Posted February 9, 2006 Re: Gretzky\'s wife, Tocchet, in gambling ring oh man this just keeps getting worse: The Newark Star-Ledger reported Thursday morning that law enforcement sources told them that state wiretaps recorded Rick Tocchet and Wayne Gretzky allegedly discussing the multimillion dollar gambling operation before it was dismantled. I hope this is not true..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VtBowhunter Posted February 9, 2006 Report Share Posted February 9, 2006 Re: Gretzky\'s wife, Tocchet, in gambling ring Gretzky Knew Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James7xChamp3 Posted February 9, 2006 Report Share Posted February 9, 2006 Re: Gretzky\'s wife, Tocchet, in gambling ring All I get out of it is Wayne found out and discussed it. I would expect him to want to protect his wife. No speculations here. I'll let this play out. I have no trust whatsoever for the media. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VtBowhunter Posted February 9, 2006 Report Share Posted February 9, 2006 Re: Gretzky\'s wife, Tocchet, in gambling ring [ QUOTE ] All I get out of it is Wayne found out and discussed it. I would expect him to want to protect his wife. No speculations here. I'll let this play out. I have no trust whatsoever for the media. [/ QUOTE ] Neither do I, especially after they've crusified my Steelers this week. Bottom line to this is that Hockey didn't need another black eye, but they got it and they may not recover. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James7xChamp3 Posted February 10, 2006 Report Share Posted February 10, 2006 Re: Gretzky\'s wife, Tocchet, in gambling ring [ QUOTE ] Bottom line to this is that Hockey didn't need another black eye, but they got it and they may not recover. [/ QUOTE ] IMO the league hasn't recovered from their last blackeye, so you're right, I believe this will really hurt them if all these allegations prove true. I sincerely hope it's not that bad. Hockey is a great sport. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superguide Posted February 10, 2006 Report Share Posted February 10, 2006 Re: Gretzky\'s wife, Tocchet, in gambling ring What I can't figure out is these ploice sources leaking information-isn't evidance confidential-amazing coincidance this all came to light just before the Olympics-typical lets try it in the media before the courts get a chance. Everybody trying to get their sound bite and minute of fame. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valkrie1357 Posted February 10, 2006 Report Share Posted February 10, 2006 Re: Gretzky\'s wife, Tocchet, in gambling ring Just another example of People on one side of the Mountain Trying to get to the Top. And People on the other side trying to Knock them off the Mountain. I think Reporters are WORSE than LAWYERS. JMHO!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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