Rick Tocchet Returns to Hockey After Gambling Suspension
Rick Tocchet returned to hockey and the coaching staff of the Phoenix Coyotes after a two-year absence caused by his involvement in an illegal gambling ring. Tocchet pled guilty to charges of conspiracy to promote gambling and promoting gambling, and received a sentence of two years probation in August.In a classic case of government overhyping, Tocchet's arrest was followed with reports of gambling on hockey and the involvement of organized crime. The spectre of fixed games lurked behind the New Jersey district attorney's press releases; the colorfully named Operation Slap Shot seemed sure to bring scandal to the hockey world. Although icon and Phoenix coach Wayne Gretzky was absolved of any wrongdoing, his wife, Janet Jones (pictured) was accused of heavy involvement including sizeable wagering.
However, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman conducted an independent investigation, which found no evidence of gambling on hockey or any sign that organized crime had played any part. In an interview with the Canadian sports network Sportsnet, Tocchet said what he did “comes down to betting football with a bookie, which I was wrong doing.”
Further, it was found that Jones' involvement was strictly in placing bets through Tocchet. Bettman reviewed the evidence and found the case so minor, he imposed only a three-month suspension, mostly due to bad judgement and the negative publicity which followed.
Gretzky stood behind Tocchet throughout the case, and welcomed him back to his old job. NHL players and coaches lined up to testify as to the high character and integrity of Tocchet.
It seems New Jersey authorities have done another fine job of spending millions of taxpayer dollars in order to arrest a man for basically gambling on football for weekend relaxation. Bravo, New Jersey! If publicity is more important than preventing violent and dangerous crimes, the state's investigators can be told: mission accomplished.
