View Full Version : OT: Breaking News on the gambling story...
trickblue
02-09-2006, 09:43 AM
State and police officials are stating that they have Wayne Gretzky discussing the illegal gambling operation with Rick Tocchet via wiretap before the story broke...
royhitshard
02-09-2006, 09:44 AM
Not good!
JakeCamp12
02-09-2006, 09:45 AM
Wow....that could tarnish the Great One's image...
BrAinPaiNt
02-09-2006, 09:45 AM
State and police officials are stating that they have Wayne Gretzky discussing the illegal gambling operation with Rick Tocchet via wiretap before the story broke...
I don't follow hockey, boring IMO, but I seen a few minutes about this on sports center the other morning.
Now I found it odd that Wayne's wife was implicated and I think someone that worked under Wayne was implicated but nobody was saying Wayne had anything to do with it.
I just thought is the wife and this guy under wayne working a side thing here, and maybe more then just betting...or were the reports afraid of saying anything about wayne until they knew more as he is the golden boy of hockey.
Doomsday101
02-09-2006, 09:49 AM
Thus far I have not seen anything showing that they bet on Hockey but it does show how serious sports in general looks at any gambling by its members.
AdamJT13
02-09-2006, 09:49 AM
Is Gretzky guilty of something just because he knew Tocchet financed a gambling ring? Or would he have had to have placed bets to be guilty of something?
superpunk
02-09-2006, 09:50 AM
This hurts me, and Canada just burnt itself to the ground.
Damn, not the Great One. Right when hockey's getting back on track, something like this comes out. I really hope it never comes out that they were betting on hockey. I can deal with a little under the table wagering, but not on the sport.
Better call Marty McSorley to straighten things out....
Zimmy Lives
02-09-2006, 09:53 AM
Thus far I have not seen anything showing that they bet on Hockey but it does show how serious sports in general looks at any gambling by its members.
I find it humorous the way the media is reporting this event. Show me a sports journalist who doesn't gamble and I'll show you a liar and a hypocrite.
Hostile
02-09-2006, 09:53 AM
Is Gretzky guilty of something just because he knew Tocchet financed a gambling ring? Or would he have had to have placed bets to be guilty of something?There is no guilt by association except in the minds of the masses.
superpunk
02-09-2006, 09:53 AM
Better call Marty McSorley to straighten things out....
LMAO.....the gloves come right off. Defend ya boy, McSorley!!!!
trickblue
02-09-2006, 09:53 AM
This hurts me, and Canada just burnt itself to the ground.
Damn, not the Great One. Right when hockey's getting back on track, something like this comes out. I really hope it never comes out that they were betting on hockey. I can deal with a little under the table wagering, but not on the sport.
If they were betting on Hockey, and I would suspect they did at times, hockey will NEVER recover...
Gretzky is the face of the NHL and this is the worst possible thing that could happen to them...
They just said that his wife had placed over $500,000 in bets including $75,000 on the Superbowl...
No way he didn't know this kind of money was flowing out of his household...
ABQCOWBOY
02-09-2006, 09:55 AM
I read this and to me, it seems some what ambiguous at best. The by line has very little to do with the actual story line. It seems to be mentioned for attention but really doesn't speak about it at all. It doesn't say when he new. It doesn't say really anything other then he knew before the story was broke. What does that mean? The story broke but the organization could well have known about the situation, from authorities, before it made it to ESPN. No susbstance at all in this story IMO.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=2324402
Report: Gretzky knew about gambling ringESPN.com news services
Phoenix Coyotes coach Wayne Gretzky knew about a gambling ring involving his wife and assistant coach Rick Tocchet, law enforcement sources who cited state wiretaps told the Newark Star-Ledger.
The Star-Ledger reported in Thursday's editions that there is no evidence that Gretzky placed bets, but investigators are looking into whether his wife, Janet Jones, placed them for him.
Gretzky has said that he had no knowledge of the gambling ring.
"The reality is, I'm not involved, I wasn't involved and I'm not going to be involved," Gretzky said Tuesday. "Am I concerned for both of them? Sure, there's concern from me. I'm more worried about them than me."
Law enforcement officials told the New Jersey newspaper that Jones bet $500,000 in recent weeks, including $75,000 in Super Bowl wagers.
Tocchet, Gretzky's friend and assistant with the Coyotes, was granted an indefinite leave of absence Wednesday night by NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, a day after New Jersey police accused him of financing a nationwide gambling operation that took bets from about a half-dozen current players, among other bettors.
Tocchet is expected to be arraigned in the next two weeks, and Gretzky could be subpoenaed to testify before a New Jersey grand jury, the Star-Ledger reported.
Jones hasn't made any public statements, but Gretzky said Tuesday that she would answer questions at some point.
Coyotes vice president of communications Richard Nairn declined to comment to the Star-Ledger about Gretzky's knowledge of the case.
The NHL Players' Association posted a message on a secure Web site Wednesday advising any player who is contacted by law enforcement authorities or the league to contact his lawyer "before talking to anyone," the Toronto Star reported.
Tocchet and his new attorney met with Bettman on Wednesday and officially informed the commissioner of the pending charges Tocchet is facing.
On the advice of attorney Kevin Marino, Tocchet wasn't prepared to respond to specific questions about the allegations, the NHL said in a news release. At the end of the meeting, Tocchet requested the leave of absence.
Bettman agreed to the leave as long as several conditions were met. Tocchet must immediately cease all contact and communication with NHL and team personnel and stay away for the duration of his leave. He will not be allowed to return without Bettman's consent.
The commissioner also reserved the right to change the terms of Tocchet's absence at any time.
"We view the charges against Mr. Tocchet in the most serious terms," Bettman said in a statement. "We have pledged our full cooperation to the New Jersey State Police and the New Jersey Attorney General's Office."
The NHL hired former federal prosecutor Robert J. Cleary, who headed the Unabomber case, to investigate Tocchet.
New Jersey authorities told the NHL on Wednesday that nothing has come to their attention that indicates the gambling activities relate in any way to league games. None of the players were identified in the complaint.
"While there is speculation as to which other NHL personnel may have been involved in this matter, we continue to await guidance in that regard from the New Jersey law enforcement authorities," Bettman said.
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 over several weeks, on professional and college sports, mostly football and basketball.
Marino called the state's charges against his new client "false and irresponsible."
"Mr. Tocchet is one of the most well-respected men ever to play in the NHL, and he's respected for his integrity, his determination and his strength," the Newark-based lawyer said. "We deeply regret the attorney general's precipitous charges and are appalled at the ensuing media frenzy."
Cleary was the U.S. Attorney in New Jersey from 1999-2002 and in the Southern District of Illinois in 2002. he also was the lead prosecutor from 1996-98 in the case against Unabomber Theodore Kaczynski, who was sentenced to four lifetimes in prison on charges related to three deaths and the maiming of two scientists.
New Jersey State Police Lt. Gerald Lewis said police investigators will interview other hockey players to get a sense of the scope of the gambling ring and to determine whether others should be charged.
Lewis said authorities also were exploring links between the gambling and Philadelphia-area mobsters. He said the investigation so far has turned up only that there might be some links, but authorities are unsure.
He also declined to reveal which players will be interviewed.
Hockey players are prohibited from making wagers on NHL games, legal or otherwise. There are no rules that forbid them from betting legally on other sports (for instance, with an established Las Vegas book).
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
trickblue
02-09-2006, 09:56 AM
I find it humorous the way the media is reporting this event. Show me a sports journalist who doesn't gamble and I'll show you a liar and a hypocrite.
It's not about betting, it's about being a part of an illegal gambling operation...
Gambling is legal in most states via the internet, Indian Casinos and offshore sites...
Doomsday101
02-09-2006, 09:57 AM
I find it humorous the way the media is reporting this event. Show me a sports journalist who doesn't gamble and I'll show you a liar and a hypocrite.
True but then the journalist does not have an effect on the games but players, coaches and owners do. Leagues tend to look real hard when they find out a member is involved in any gambling and with very good reason. Their integrity and legitimacy is on the line and they know it.
DanTanna
02-09-2006, 09:59 AM
Janet Jones is/was HOT. What would she be participating in a gamblingbling ring for? Makes no sense.
Doomsday101
02-09-2006, 09:59 AM
It's not about betting, it's about being a part of an illegal gambling operation...
Gambling is legal in most states via the internet, Indian Casinos and offshore sites...
It may be legal but when athletes get involved with any gambling the leagues will look real hard at that player. Guys can get busted for drugs and get a pass by the leagues but gambling is a different story.
ABQCOWBOY
02-09-2006, 10:00 AM
If they were betting on Hockey, and I would suspect they did at times, hockey will NEVER recover...
Gretzky is the face of the NHL and this is the worst possible thing that could happen to them...
They just said that his wife had placed over $500,000 in bets including $75,000 on the Superbowl...
No way he didn't know this kind of money was flowing out of his household...
I don't make anywhere near the money Gretzky makes but I can understand how this could happen. I don't have any idea how much money goes out on a monthly basis. My wife handles this. In truth, she's better at it. Money could easily be going out and I would not know. I trust her so it is not something I would really ever look at unless it were a situation where we were short on bills. Then, obviously, it would come to light. Outside of that, I just trust that she is responsible with our money. It has always been that way for me.
trickblue
02-09-2006, 10:02 AM
It may be legal but when athletes get involved with any gambling the leagues will look real hard at that player. Guys can get busted for drugs and get a pass by the leagues but gambling is a different story.
I know that... you are mistaking my post... I was also referring to a previous post...
My point was that gambling is legal about everywhere... being part of an illegal gambling operation is risky business, especially when you are a player or coach...
If betting is a person's thing, and they want to do it on the up and up, then why not bet legally...
This thing could get VERY ugly before it is over...
Doomsday101
02-09-2006, 10:03 AM
I know that... you are mistaking my post... I was also referring to a previous post...
My point was that gambling is legal about everywhere... being part of an illegal gambling operation is risky business, especially when you are a player or coach...
If betting is a person's thing, and they want to do it on the up and up, then why not bet legally...
This thing could get VERY ugly before it is over...
Agreed!!!
BrAinPaiNt
02-09-2006, 10:09 AM
I know that... you are mistaking my post... I was also referring to a previous post...
My point was that gambling is legal about everywhere... being part of an illegal gambling operation is risky business, especially when you are a player or coach...
If betting is a person's thing, and they want to do it on the up and up, then why not bet legally...
This thing could get VERY ugly before it is over...
Gambling is legal in many places as you said, and then there are places where it technically is not legal but for the most part nobody does anything about it...heck if the small area I live has two betting places that are not legal and have been around for years and everyone knows about it...you get the picture.
The problem comes down to if they bet on their own sport as they would or could have a part in some outcomes.
The funny thing about being legal or illegal concerning gambling really boils down to Taxes, in other words who is getting paid or not getting paid.
Sarge
02-09-2006, 10:14 AM
Is Gretzky guilty of something just because he knew Tocchet financed a gambling ring? Or would he have had to have placed bets to be guilty of something?
He's guilty of nothing if that is the case. You don't get thrown in jail if you don't tell the police that you know a bookie.
We'll see how it unfolds.
Big Country
02-09-2006, 12:23 PM
What in the name of heck does he have to gamble for??? It's not like he lives week to week... I for one don't give a flip about friggin' hockey... Hockey to me is WWF with sticks... They could have canceled this season too for all I care... I'd rather watch basketball anyway.
What in the name of heck does he have to gamble for??? It's not like he lives week to week... I for one don't give a flip about friggin' hockey... Hockey to me is WWF with sticks... They could have canceled this season too for all I care... I'd rather watch basketball anyway.
If anyone should gamble, it certainly shouldn't be those living week to week. If you are living week to week and counting on gambling to supplement your income, then I guess its no surprise you are living week to week.
Anybody that has any clue about hockey knows that it is a little more than "WWF with sticks". Its my personal opinion that hockey requires the highest level of ability of ANY professional sport. If you can stand up, you can play basketball. You need to be able to ice skate just to try to play hockey. Not to mention the overall speed of the game, the reflexes and coordination required to shoot, pass and stick handle.
Even the "WWF" aspect that I assume you are referring to, fighting and checking, require a high degree of skill and coordination. Imagine trying to stand up on hockey skates when you are about to be hit by someone skating full speed....or to hit some one full speed while they are simultaneously moving....or trying to simply stand up while someone is pulling you off balance and throwing punches.
You may not like hockey, but calling it WWF with sticks is ignorant.
blindzebra
02-09-2006, 01:09 PM
Is Gretzky guilty of something just because he knew Tocchet financed a gambling ring? Or would he have had to have placed bets to be guilty of something?
There is a thing called aiding and abating.
If you have knowledge of a crime and do nothing, there are legal ramifications.
Hostile
02-09-2006, 01:15 PM
There is a thing called aiding and abating.
If you have knowledge of a crime and do nothing, there are legal ramifications.Knowledge isn't aiding and abetting.
hipfake08
02-09-2006, 01:17 PM
Is Gretzky guilty of something just because he knew Tocchet financed a gambling ring? Or would he have had to have placed bets to be guilty of something?
Maybe that was what the wife was doing for him.
You never know.:eek:
CanadianCowboysFan
02-09-2006, 01:39 PM
Janet Jones is/was HOT. What would she be participating in a gamblingbling ring for?
Because she could.
Is Gretzky guilty of something just because he knew Tocchet financed a gambling ring? Or would he have had to have placed bets to be guilty of something?
This story is not new - been out for a few days. Wiretap has Wayne talking/knowing of gambling ring. His wife bet $500K in last month.
They nailed the NJ State cop who was in Kahoots in running gambling ring. There are supposed ties into Philadelphia organized crime that will come out soon.
Is it illegal for Gretz to know of this, know his wife is illegally gambling? Maybe not, not sure how the NHL will view his relationship with Tochett and organized crime figures. He's in big, big trouble here. Is it good news that Tochet/Gretzky have gambling ties to organized crimes, ability to fix games? Its just bad.
Unless it stops right here - Gretz may be out of the NHL on this.
REDVOLUTION
02-09-2006, 01:50 PM
Wow....that could tarnish the Great One's image...
As forgiving as society is I wouldnt count on it.
Whats acceptable in society is set very low. Standards-wise.
Hostile
02-09-2006, 01:54 PM
If you have money and want to gamble, just do it legally.
What's so hard to figure out about that? Gretzky and his wife live in Phoenix. There are casinos there. It isn't far to Vegas. Especially by plane.
No matter what Gretzky's role in this is, you ought to know better.
SilverStarCowboy
02-09-2006, 01:58 PM
Wire taps should be illegal.
If you have money and want to gamble, just do it legally.
What's so hard to figure out about that? Gretzky and his wife live in Phoenix. There are casinos there. It isn't far to Vegas. Especially by plane.
No matter what Gretzky's role in this is, you ought to know better.
Unless they were in with Tochet and just gambling through their buddy. Maybe Tochet was giving them kickbacks, reduced vig or worse - Jones and Gretzky were in with Tochett.
Gretzky has a lot of damage control to do here. The association is as bad as the actions.
Wire taps should be illegal.
People doing illegal things should not be doing illegal things.
Not sure about internet, but years spent in Telecom...... EVERY phone call is being recorded, monitored in some capacity:cool:
Reality
02-09-2006, 02:10 PM
First of all, I never gamble money .. my philosophy is that just assume you did gamble your money, lost it all and then won the same money back you started with and there you go .. :D
That being said, I don't see why this kind of gambling is illegal. If it's because of not being able to accurately collect taxes on winnings, why not simply allow anyone to run a gambling network, but require they register for a gambling license? That way, only people caught doing it without a license would be breaking the law and it would lead to a lot more accountability for the huge amounts of money that now change hands in what are deemed "illegal gambling rings."
Im sorry but wiretaps should not be illegal, just let the criminals and corrupt rule, yay, great idea, hah
First of all, I never gamble money .. my philosophy is that just assume you did gamble your money, lost it all and then won the same money back you started with and there you go .. :D
That being said, I don't see why this kind of gambling is illegal. If it's because of not being able to accurately collect taxes on winnings, why not simply allow anyone to run a gambling network, but require they register for a gambling license? That way, only people caught doing it without a license would be breaking the law and it would lead to a lot more accountability for the huge amounts of money that now change hands in what are deemed "illegal gambling rings."
I agree - but its not legal. But the crime families involved in Providence, New York and this case Philly are a very violent lot. To have owners, coaches and players associating brings in the tainted games and thrown games. Gamblers get in trouble and do desperate things.
Gretzky may need to be thrown out of Hockey.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/columns/story?id=2324030
back to topic of thread - good summary article on Pending arrests/sting.
CanadianCowboysFan
02-09-2006, 03:18 PM
My theory is that it is just some cop looking for glory by bringing down a pro athlete just like the prosecutor who went after Irvin.
trickblue
02-09-2006, 03:21 PM
My theory is that it is just some cop looking for glory by bringing down a pro athlete just like the prosecutor who went after Irvin.
OK Mr. Cochran... :D
Chief
02-09-2006, 03:36 PM
This isn't the first time that someone close to Gretzky has gotten into serious trouble.
Gretzky's former boss and friend, Bruce McNall, spent some time in federal prison for bank fraud, wire fraud and conspiracy.
For what it's worth.
Hostile
02-09-2006, 03:37 PM
This isn't the first time that someone close to Gretzky has gotten into serious trouble.
Gretzky's former boss and friend, Bruce McNall, spent some time in federal prison for bank fraud, wire fraud and conspiracy.
For what it's worth.I had forgotten that.
ABQCOWBOY
02-09-2006, 03:40 PM
Gretzky may need to be thrown out of Hockey.
:rolleyes:
What ever.
Doomsday101
02-09-2006, 03:41 PM
My theory is that it is just some cop looking for glory by bringing down a pro athlete just like the prosecutor who went after Irvin.
I like Irvin but I think his was a case thinking he was above the law and he would not be the 1st Cowboy player to fall for the lime light and buying into his own popularity. Irvin walked into court looking like Pimp Daddy in his fur coat and sun glasses and believe me the judge did not find that funny or amusing at all. When you’re hanging out with prostitutes at strip clubs you’re asking for trouble
NHL Gambling Scandal Stinks, Regardless of the Outcome
Pro Ice Hockey Blog
« NHL Begins Damage Control With Its Own Gambling Probe | Main | Details and Denials in the Tocchet Gambling Case »
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February 08, 2006
NHL Gambling Scandal Stinks, Regardless of the Outcome
A TV analyst and former NHL enforcer is among the first to defend hockey players who allegedly made wagers with an illegal gambling ring uncovered by New Jersey police. Nick Kypreos goes with the "gambling as part of life" defense.
"Yes, the boys like to play cards," Kypreos told CBC Television newsmagazine The National. "But guess what? Somewhere in the hospital right now there's five doctors getting together. There's five firemen, policemen. There is gambling everywhere."
If Kypreos believes it's that simple, he's an even bigger fool than the one he plays on television.
Even if the investigation proves, as first reported, that the NHL players never bet on hockey, there are any number of reasons why athletes and underworld gambling are a putrid mix.
Might an NHL player provide inside info - like injury updates or locker room tidbits - to help someone else make a bet, or to help a bookmaker with his research?
Might an NHL player run up a huge, unmanageable debt by betting on other sports, thereby placing himself under the thumb of a bookie? And might that bookie choose any number of creative ways to exert his influence? Unlikely, perhaps, considering NHL salaries. But stranger things have happened.
If pro athletes consort with the wagering crowd, isn't it naive to assume that not one of them will bet on his or her own sport? After all, if you or I set out to place a bet on a game, which sport will we choose? The one we know best, of course.
As always, appearance counts as much as reality. Millions of folks open their newspapers or web browsers and see the following phrases in a story: "NHL players-gambling ring-money laundering-conspiracy-organized crime-hockey." Many of them won't read the whole story or absorb the details. The damage is done.
The point Kypreos might have been trying to make is a valid one: society is at odds with itself over gambling. It's an open secret that last Sunday's Super Bowl was more than just a game, that sports wagering is nearly as big an industry as sport itself. State and provincial governments, meanwhile, hoover up billions through lotteries, scratch tickets, video lotto machines and countless other schemes. Yet we're supposed to be outraged that an unlicensed gambling ring pulled in a measly $1.7 million?
But when it comes to sports betting, athletes must remain a breed apart. Expecting them to live lives beyond reproach is foolish. But they should at least have the good sense to steer clear of rackets run by wise guys.
Hmmmm - the incredibly shrinking story.
Gretzky can try and erase what has he's done - but its too late
He needs to step down.
Hmmmm - the incredibly shrinking story.
Gretzky can try and erase what has he's done - but its too late
He needs to step down.
Wow, you really hate Gretzky. You must have some bitter memories of him lighting up the Bruins.
How did Bourque winning the Cup in Colorado make you feel?
Wow, you really hate Gretzky. You must have some bitter memories of him lighting up the Bruins.
How did Bourque winning the Cup in Colorado make you feel?
http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news;_ylt=A9htduDR1.tDCHgB3Ao5nYcB?slug=ap-coyotes-gamblingbust-gretzky&prov=ap&type=lgns
I love Gretzky. Saw him a few times - if not the greatest player EVER.
I don't like what HE did, who he appears to have been in Kahoots with. If association to organized crime or any involvement in illegal gambling and he needs to be divested of NHL affiliation.
Bruins? :laugh1: I grew up a Hartford Whaler fan in CT and season ticket holder. Absolutely hate the Bruins.
Maybe Janet Jones is promoting her new movie - Dirt Nap
Screening January 23rd for the first time to a select industry audience during Sundance Film Festival this month, "Dirt Nap" celebrates with a highly anticipated private VIP party and dinner that same evening hosted by D.B. Sweeney and attended by all cast.
About "Dirt Nap"
Hilarious and heartwarming, "Dirt Nap" is a comedy of lost dreams and underappreciated treasures. Life-long buddies endearingly fumble along -- through gator-infested swampland, lost rock n roll aspirations, faking their own deaths, issues with respective wives, kids and parents, a gambling problem, the dart game of a lifetime and other surprises. Written by Brian Currie and D.B. Sweeney, produced and directed by D.B. Sweeney, co-produced by George Parra, "Dirt Nap" cast also includes Ed Harris, Moira Kelly, Ned Bellamy, Mark Moses, Rex Linn, Janet Jones and Vanna White.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news;_ylt=A9htduDR1.tDCHgB3Ao5nYcB?slug=ap-coyotes-gamblingbust-gretzky&prov=ap&type=lgns
I love Gretzky. Saw him a few times - if not the greatest player EVER.
I don't like what HE did, who he appears to have been in Kahoots with. If association to organized crime or any involvement in illegal gambling and he needs to be divested of NHL affiliation.
Bruins? :laugh1: I grew up a Hartford Whaler fan in CT and season ticket holder. Absolutely hate the Bruins.
Maybe Janet Jones is promoting her new movie - Dirt Nap
Screening January 23rd for the first time to a select industry audience during Sundance Film Festival this month, "Dirt Nap" celebrates with a highly anticipated private VIP party and dinner that same evening hosted by D.B. Sweeney and attended by all cast.
About "Dirt Nap"
Hilarious and heartwarming, "Dirt Nap" is a comedy of lost dreams and underappreciated treasures. Life-long buddies endearingly fumble along -- through gator-infested swampland, lost rock n roll aspirations, faking their own deaths, issues with respective wives, kids and parents, a gambling problem, the dart game of a lifetime and other surprises. Written by Brian Currie and D.B. Sweeney, produced and directed by D.B. Sweeney, co-produced by George Parra, "Dirt Nap" cast also includes Ed Harris, Moira Kelly, Ned Bellamy, Mark Moses, Rex Linn, Janet Jones and Vanna White.
I think you could easily argue that Gretzky is the most dominant player in any sport.....ever. Armstrong at the Tour is the only comparable thing I can think of off the top of my head.
I am hoping he isn't involved, but it looks like everyone around him was. Hard to believe he didn't know what was going on.
You seem pretty fired up for this "Dirt Nap" movie.
People are going down, Coyote's GM now involved.
Bruin Play by play guy with insides yesterday said they have at least 1 other high profile actor and another NHL owner who was involved. This is on top of the 12 NHL players that is circulating.
My sense is they want Tochett and the Philly organized crime family. This could reach RICOH status - and may result in Coyotes being taken over by Feds if The Owners can be tied to illegal activity. Not sure if Gretzky is an actual owner.
Mcnall, and I believe an owner before McNall went down around Gretzky in past. I would not be suprised if his partners within the Coyotes are not involved.
This is going to be a real big story when it all gets out. I was hoping Gretzky was clean but he's in trouble with the NHL. (I don't think they are after him or Janet for jail time) just some sing, sing.....
Barnett made Super Bowl wager through Tocchet
The bet was one time only
David Vest
The Arizona Republic
Feb. 9, 2006
Multiple NHL sources confirmed Thursday that Coyotes General Manager Mike Barnett made a financial wager on Sunday’s Super Bowl through Coyotes associate coach Rick Tocchet, but that Barnett’s wager was a one-time bet.
Tocchet has been charged by New Jersey State Police with financing a multimillion dollar national gambling ring — Operation Slapshot — and is to be arraigned on Tuesday, Feb. 21, before Burlington County Superior Court Judge Thomas S. Smith Jr.
The specifics of Barnett’s wager were not immediately known.
On Thursday, Barnett deferred comment to a statement issued to The Arizona Republic late Wednesday by the team’s Director of Security.
“There are a lot of rumors circulating with many names included,” Jim O’Neal said in the statement. “As part of the ongoing investigation, I spoke (Wednesday) with (law enforcement) authorities from New Jersey to answer any questions which they may have had.
“At the conclusion of the conversation, it was requested that I make no comment as to the nature of our discussion, due to the ongoing proceedings.
“I was also advised by the authorities (Wednesday) that they did not likely foresee a need for further questioning pertaining to any members of our organization, whether it be Michael Barnett or others.”
http://www.phoenixcoyotes.com/team/staff_details.php?ID=2
We have assistant coach as the organizer/ringleader
We have a NJ State cop with alledged ties into Philly/NJ mafia
We have Gretzky's wife Gambling $500K a month
We have Wayne on wiretap
We have Coyote GM now implicated gambling
The local source here says an Owner will come out in this. Makes sense its a Coyote owner?
Ben Afleck's name is surfacing, Coyote's GM nailed today by press. An owner is going to be named soon. Also local Arizona gambling ring deep in community may be outed soon - voluminous records being examined.
Harney, 40, was arrested Monday and has been suspended from the force. He was charged in an arrest warrant with official misconduct, promoting gambling, money laundering and conspiracy. James Ulmer, who was also 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 had $50,000 bail. The two men are expected to be arraigned in state Superior Court in Burlington County within two weeks.
Harney's lawyer, Craig Mitnick,said his client hadn't decided whether to contest the charges in court.
Fuentes did not disclose the bettors' names and said charges against more people were possible. He described one as a "movie celebrity."
Authorities also said the ring is connected to organized crime.
"We have evidence that leads us to believe that the traditional organized crime families that exist in the city of Philadelphia have exercised some degree of influence over this enterprise," Lt. Col. Frank Rodgers of the New Jersey State Police told Canada's TSN. "A relatively large number of (NHL) players distributed pretty equally around the United States, and that includes some of the management and coaches associated with the NHL as well."
Authorities seized property from Harney and Ulmer Monday night. State police seized $27,000 in currency, "voluminous" amounts of sports betting information and bank accounts worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, Fuentes said.
Gretzky sounded weary on Thursday talking to reporters after the game for about two minutes.
"I hope you appreciate that these three days have been horrible. I'm just too tired mentally and physically to talk any more about it," he said. "There's nothing more for me to talk about. And if you have questions for people involved, contact them."
Meanwhile, Phoenix general manager Michael Barnett also released a statement during Thursday's game, addressing media reports that he bet on the Super Bowl through Tocchet and later met with investigators in New Jersey about the case.
"They informed me that my conduct has in no way violated either federal or state laws," he said.
Authorities say from Dec. 29 through Feb. 5 -- the day of the Super Bowl -- bettors placed a total of $1.7 million in wagers with the ring run by a New Jersey state trooper, Tocchet and a South Jersey man. All face charges of promoting gambling, money laundering and conspiracy and are scheduled to be arraigned in Superior Court in Mount Holly on Feb. 21, the state Attorney General's office said Thursday.
AP - Feb 9, 11:52 pm EST
More Photos
Elliot Mintz, a spokesman for Jones, said in a statement that she may be called as a witness before a grand jury in New Jersey.
"Janet is merely one of a number of witnesses, and there is no allegation whatsoever that Janet has violated any law," he said.
Investigators are looking into whether anyone involved in the 5-year-old ring, which authorities say had a connection to organized crime in Philadelphia and southern New Jersey, bet on NHL games. Gretzky is not the main focus of the probe, the person said.
The Star-Ledger of Newark, citing unidentified law enforcement sources, first reported of a wiretap involving Gretzky in Thursday's newspapers. The newspaper also reported that Jones bet $500,000 during the investigation, including $75,000 on the Super Bowl.
Lawyers involved in the case said details of the three-month investigation should not be made public
Too bad Gretzky doesn't have someone behind the scenes with a big "eraser" that could hide or make his actions go away. As if it never happened........
Too late for him, its out.
Canada hockey factions are starting the process of removing him. NHL needs to come down swift and fast on Wayne also.
Hostile
02-10-2006, 07:20 AM
Too bad Gretzky doesn't have someone behind the scenes with a big "eraser" that could hide or make his actions go away. As if it never happened........
Too late for him, its out.
Canada hockey factions are starting the process of removing him. NHL needs to come down swift and fast on Wayne also.For what?
He hasn't been implicated in the gambling. What NHL rule has he broken?
Yakuza Rich
02-10-2006, 07:51 AM
Is Gretzky guilty of something just because he knew Tocchet financed a gambling ring? Or would he have had to have placed bets to be guilty of something?
He'd be guilty if they can prove he knew about the ring. But since his wife was placing bets, they'll probably try to prove that he was a co-conspirator.
I have some friends and relatives that work in NYC as attorneys and police officers and from what they've told me the Feds are basically going after the mob guys. By trumping up some extreme charges against the players, they can then force the players to give them info on the mob guys in order for them to drop the charges.
Rich............
Hostile
02-10-2006, 08:12 AM
He'd be guilty if they can prove he knew about the ring. But since his wife was placing bets, they'll probably try to prove that he was a co-conspirator.
I have some friends and relatives that work in NYC as attorneys and police officers and from what they've told me the Feds are basically going after the mob guys. By trumping up some extreme charges against the players, they can then force the players to give them info on the mob guys in order for them to drop the charges.
Rich............Not shocking. They won't want the people who gambled as much as the guys who ran the ring.
Tochet is in trouble. I doubt any of the betters are in too much trouble. Fines, audits, etc.
The organizers are the goal.
Gretzky's name just feeds the media frenzy.
For what?
He hasn't been implicated in the gambling. What NHL rule has he broken?
Knowledage and association with principals in an illegal organized crime operation. His assistant coach, GM and Wife are all involved. It is inapropriate for an NHL coach/owner to be involved in this type of situation. Racketeering, money laundering, inter state illegal activity. Organized crime and illegal gambling activity is bad for the NHL who must act on this swiftly.
Gretyky already perjured himself Tuesday - wiretap evidence released after his statement. He personally may not have comitted a "crime". But his total innapropriate behaviour has jeopardized the credibility of the sport. He should have known better.
More to follow later today.
Organized crime - mob, Tochett, integrity of the NHL.
If this gets any closer to Wayne he's soon officially done. You can't have your Owners/coaches involved in these activities.
Its rather Naive to believe Wayne was not fully aware of what was going on here.
When you're dealing with a bookie, things are a little bit ... looser. You're not always laying your money down before the play. Maybe you lose a couple times and you up the ante trying to make win it back. Next thing you know, you're in a tight spot -- and yes, even an athlete making hundreds of thousands or millions can back himself into a corner. Once there, the athlete might be vulnerable to coercion. And if the numbers are big enough, that might lead to a request. And if that request comes from someone connected to a larger criminal endeavor, it can be very, very persuasive.
That doesn't mean a guy will have to throw a game. Maybe it's just a bit of information he has to pass along. Either way, it's a violation of the integrity of the game ... even though the player wasn't betting directly on hockey.
And it doesn't even have to be a staggering sum that's wagered. Just the leverage that's afforded to one party who knows another party is doing something he's not supposed to can be devastating.
After all, every one of these players is reminded at the beginning of each season to avoid this very situation for this very reason. The livelihood of each and every guy in the league depends on maintaining the game's integrity.
Of course, none of this may have happened. Every one of the hockey players who may have been involved might have won their big bets. There may not have been a single visit from Fat Tony asking for a favor.
But the athletes put themselves in a position where there could have been. And that's enough.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman's in a tough spot. One thing he has to remember is that the integrity of the game supercedes everything, and every individual.
Tocchet has been charged. Whether or not he's guilty at this point is not the issue. He has damaged the game. He needs to be suspended indefinitely
Hostile
02-10-2006, 09:31 AM
Knowledage and association with principals in an illegal organized crime operation. His assistant coach, GM and Wife are all involved. It is inapropriate for an NHL coach/owner to be involved in this type of situation. Racketeering, money laundering, inter state illegal activity. Organized crime and illegal gambling activity is bad for the NHL who must act on this swiftly.
Gretyky already perjured himself Tuesday - wiretap evidence released after his statement. He personally may not have comitted a "crime". But his total innapropriate behaviour has jeopardized the credibility of the sport. He should have known better.
More to follow later today.I guess it shouldn't surprise me that you know nothing about Due Process.
I guess it shouldn't surprise me that you know nothing about Due Process.
It doesn't suprise me you don't know anything about Integrity and honor.;)
Team Canada is starting to put pressure on Gretzky to step down until due process has run its course. Very standard for guy's that are in Gretzky's situation. Appears he's going to hunker down, lie and try and ride it out. Irregardless what it does to his country at Olymics or tarnishment inflicted on NHL. I thought he was a bigger man.
StanleySpadowski
02-10-2006, 09:59 AM
I guess it shouldn't surprise me that you know nothing about Due Process.
You should know better by now. Someone wants to hang Gretzky in the public square without any evidence yet idolizes a certain baseball gambler despite a mountain of evidence and a confession.
These past few months have not been the best for Gretzky, what with hockey in the grips of lockout and McNall, Gretzky's mentor, guilty of four counts of bank fraud.
"I owe a lot to Bruce," :eek: Gretzky says. "I can promise you I won't be partners with anybody else. LIAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Hopefully going through the justice system will work out positive for him. I know I will always try to stick by him as best I can." REMOVE MCNALL INSERT TOCHETT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
During the lockout, Gretzky didn't mind the unusual opportunity to spend more time with his wife, Janet, and their children, Paulina, Ty and Trevor. He laughs at the suggestion that janet probably looked forward to a settlement between the players and o:eek: :eek: :eek: wners. "Have you been bugging my house," he says.
Hostile
02-10-2006, 10:08 AM
It doesn't suprise me you don't know anything about Integrity and honor.;)
Team Canada is starting to put pressure on Gretzky to step down until due process has run its course. Very standard for guy's that are in Gretzky's situation. Appears he's going to hunker down, lie and try and ride it out. Irregardless what it does to his country at Olymics or tarnishment inflicted on NHL. I thought he was a bigger man.You find integrity in convicting and punsihing a man who isn't being accused or tried?
That's honor?
Why am I not surprised?
You should know better by now. Someone wants to hang Gretzky in the public square without any evidence yet idolizes a certain baseball gambler despite a mountain of evidence and a confession.
Pete Rose should be out of Baseball. Never questioned that for a second.
Pete Rose should be in the Hall of Fame. Gretzky will likely keep his Hall status as there are convicted gamblers already in, similar to Football with lenient rules on inclusion.
Gretzky's actions are detrimental and injuries to the integrity of the NHL.
Breaking news - yet another Assistant coach said he knew Tochett was a compulsive gambler. Said it was common knowledge and often watched games with him. How can Gretzky not be aware of this? The freakin GM was betting with Tochett. Heck, his wife was betting $500K a month through Tochett? AND HE WAS CLUELESS?
Organized crime and Ricoh acts were created to get at criminals who attempt to shield themselves from illegal activities. We are talking racketeering, inter state crime, money laundering. Suprised the Feds are not in this yet.
Poor Wayne - wrong guy wrong place.
He needs to be a man, admit his sins here and divest ownership in Arizona franchise. Hockey shouldn't be there anyway.
Hostile
02-10-2006, 10:13 AM
You should know better by now. Someone wants to hang Gretzky in the public square without any evidence yet idolizes a certain baseball gambler despite a mountain of evidence and a confession.I should know better, you're right.
It just galls me that people think newspaper articles are evidence of guilt. All reports are that in his call to Tochet that was wiretapped that he wanted to know if there was any way to not implicate his wife. In other words, he was trying to protect his bride.
Yeah, that "mountain" (<<<extreme sarcasm) of circumstantial evidence and his desire to protect his wife make him a beast who needs to be publicly flayed.
:rolleyes:
Sorry Stanley, don't mean to rant at you.
Hostile
02-10-2006, 10:15 AM
Pete Rose should be out of Baseball. Never questioned that for a second.
Pete Rose should be in the Hall of Fame. Gretzky will likely keep his Hall status as there are convicted gamblers already in, similar to Football with lenient rules on inclusion.
Gretzky's actions are detrimental and injuries to the integrity of the NHL.
Breaking news - yet another Assistant coach said he knew Tochett was a compulsive gambler. Said it was common knowledge and often watched games with him. How can Gretzky not be aware of this? The freakin GM was betting with Tochett. Heck, his wife was betting $500K a month through Tochett? AND HE WAS CLUELESS?
Organized crime and Ricoh acts were created to get at criminals who attempt to shield themselves from illegal activities. We are talking racketeering, inter state crime, money laundering. Suprised the Feds are not in this yet.
Poor Wayne - wrong guy wrong place.
He needs to be a man, admit his sins here and divest ownership in Arizona franchise. Hockey shouldn't be there anyway.Now it's $500k per month instead of total.
You watch, by the time The Big Wind is done she'll have taken over Heidi Fleis status as the Hollywood madam of the stars.
:rolleyes:
You find integrity in convicting and punsihing a man who isn't being accused or tried?
That's honor?
Why am I not surprised?
His coaching staff, Senior mgmt, wife are clearly involved in illegal activities tied to organized crime.
It would be in Team Canada's best interest at Olympics, his Team/organizations best interest if he took a leave of absence until his name is vindicated. Thats very doubtfull on what's out there already.
Time will tell how he proceeds.
Your fall back to attacks/put downs are BS. You can't discuss anything without it. And what disapeared yesterday was reprehensible and archived - don't for a second think that was missed.
ABQCOWBOY
02-10-2006, 10:21 AM
Nors, your full of crap. Gretzky did not purger himself because he has not been asked to testify to anything. No evidence has been found that he gambled. No time frames on what he new and when he new it have been presented. In the NHL, you can bet on any games except Hocky itself.
The prudent thing to do here is let more info come out. The stupid thing to do is tear the house down board by board to try and prevent the fire from burning it down.
Which path do you think your sprinting twords?
Now it's $500k per month instead of total.
You watch, by the time The Big Wind is done she'll have taken over Heidi Fleis status as the Hollywood madam of the stars.
:rolleyes:Details are not big for you and BZ. The WE brothers!
She bet $500K in a 4 week period - thats a fact. This ring also per New Jersey arrest warrant against Tochet goes back to 2001. This is not a new criminal activity.
Source - any newspaper past 3 days
Elliot Mintz, a spokesman for Jones, said in a statement that she may be called as a witness before a grand jury in New Jersey.
"Janet is merely one of a number of witnesses and there is no allegation whatsoever that Janet has violated any law," he said.
Investigators are looking into whether anyone involved in the 5-year-old ring, which authorities say had a connection to organized crime in Philadelphia and southern New Jersey, bet on NHL games. Gretzky is not the main focus of the probe, the person said.
The Star-Ledger of Newark, citing unidentified law enforcement sources, first reported of a wiretap involving Gretzky in Thursday's newspapers. The newspaper also reported that Jones bet $500,000 during the investigation, including $75,000 on the Super Bowl.
Nors, your full of crap. Gretzky did not purger himself because he has not been asked to testify to anything. No evidence has been found that he gambled. No time frames on what he new and when he new it have been presented. In the NHL, you can bet on any games except Hocky itself.
The prudent thing to do here is let more info come out. The stupid thing to do is tear the house down board by board to try and prevent the fire from burning it down.
Which path do you think your sprinting twords?
The House burned down
They caught his wife, best friend/assistant coach, GM HOLDING THE MATCHES!!!!!!!
Its best if he stayed away from this as I recomend. Apparantly wiretap CLEARLY caught him trying to cover it up. He may not have perjured but he lied. Tuesday he claims he knows nothing on gambling ring and then wiretaps are out there showing he was LYING!
Step down Wayne before you make it worse!:D
Hostile
02-10-2006, 10:40 AM
His coaching staff, Senior mgmt, wife are clearly involved in illegal activities tied to organized crime.When was the trial? Oh wait, that would be DUE PROCESS os law. We've already established that you don't understand that concept.
It would be in Team Canada's best interest at Olympics, his Team/organizations best interest if he took a leave of absence until his name is vindicated. Thats very doubtfull on what's out there already.Newspaper articles are not court documents. Vindicate his name? He hasn't been charged.
Time will tell how he proceeds.Based on your rantings I assumed it was up to you how he proceeds.
Your fall back to attacks/put downs are BS. You can't discuss anything without it. And what disapeared yesterday was reprehensible and archived - don't for a second think that was missed.I attacked you?
Yeah right. Grow up.
Don't think for a second that the innuendos were missed either. Thin ice.
Hostile
02-10-2006, 10:41 AM
Details are not big for you and BZ. The WE brothers!
She bet $500K in a 4 week period - thats a fact. This ring also per New Jersey arrest warrant against Tochet goes back to 2001. This is not a new criminal activity.
Source - any newspaper past 3 days
Elliot Mintz, a spokesman for Jones, said in a statement that she may be called as a witness before a grand jury in New Jersey.
"Janet is merely one of a number of witnesses and there is no allegation whatsoever that Janet has violated any law," he said.
Investigators are looking into whether anyone involved in the 5-year-old ring, which authorities say had a connection to organized crime in Philadelphia and southern New Jersey, bet on NHL games. Gretzky is not the main focus of the probe, the person said.
The Star-Ledger of Newark, citing unidentified law enforcement sources, first reported of a wiretap involving Gretzky in Thursday's newspapers. The newspaper also reported that Jones bet $500,000 during the investigation, including $75,000 on the Super Bowl.Where's the $500,000 per month?
http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=60631
Thin Ice - Yes Gretzky is on.
Back to topic - Will be interesting to see how fast Gretzky will be asked to step down as this transpires!!!!!!!
Authorities say from Dec. 29 through Feb. 5 - the day of the Super Bowl - bettors placed a total of $1.7 million in wagers with the ring run by a New Jersey state trooper, Tocchet and a South Jersey man. All face charges of promoting gambling, money laundering and conspiracy and are scheduled to be arraigned in Superior Court in Mount Holly on Feb. 21, the state Attorney General's office said Thursday.
Elliot Mintz, a spokesman for Jones, said in a statement that she may be called as a witness before a grand jury in New Jersey.
"Janet is merely one of a number of witnesses, and there is no allegation whatsoever that Janet has violated any law," he said.
Investigators are looking into whether anyone involved in the 5-year-old ring, which authorities say had a connection to organized crime in Philadelphia and southern New Jersey, bet on NHL games. Gretzky is not the main focus of the probe, the person said.
The Star-Ledger of Newark, citing unidentified law enforcement sources, first reported of a wiretap involving Gretzky in Thursday's newspapers. The newspaper also reported that Jones bet $500,000 during the investigation, including $75,000 on the Super Bowl.
ABQCOWBOY
02-10-2006, 11:02 AM
The House burned down
They caught his wife, best friend/assistant coach, GM HOLDING THE MATCHES!!!!!!!
Its best if he stayed away from this as I recomend. Apparantly wiretap CLEARLY caught him trying to cover it up. He may not have perjured but he lied. Tuesday he claims he knows nothing on gambling ring and then wiretaps are out there showing he was LYING!
Step down Wayne before you make it worse!:D
Your right, that's why he's in jail right now, correct? Get real. At this point, there is nothing to link him to anything.
You have no clue what is on tape. According to ESPN, there was a discussion between he and Tochett discussing how he could keep his wife out of this mess. That would clearly indicate to me that the discussion took place after they were informed of the investigations findings. How does that constitute knowledge of the gambling ring? To me, that's a husband trying to get his wife out of trouble. What husband, worth a crap wouldn't do that? Wouldn't you try to do the same for your wife if you could?
At this point, no substance other then shock value for the tabloids and of course you.
ABQCOWBOY
02-10-2006, 11:08 AM
Authorities say from Dec. 29 through Feb. 5 - the day of the Super Bowl - bettors placed a total of $1.7 million in wagers with the ring run by a New Jersey state trooper, Tocchet and a South Jersey man. All face charges of promoting gambling, money laundering and conspiracy and are scheduled to be arraigned in Superior Court in Mount Holly on Feb. 21, the state Attorney General's office said Thursday.
Elliot Mintz, a spokesman for Jones, said in a statement that she may be called as a witness before a grand jury in New Jersey.
"Janet is merely one of a number of witnesses, and there is no allegation whatsoever that Janet has violated any law," he said.
Investigators are looking into whether anyone involved in the 5-year-old ring, which authorities say had a connection to organized crime in Philadelphia and southern New Jersey, bet on NHL games. Gretzky is not the main focus of the probe, the person said.
The Star-Ledger of Newark, citing unidentified law enforcement sources, first reported of a wiretap involving Gretzky in Thursday's newspapers. The newspaper also reported that Jones bet $500,000 during the investigation, including $75,000 on the Super Bowl.
OK, this article says that the ring has been in existance for at least 5 years. Does that mean that the investigation has been going on for 5 years?
The article also states that Jones has bet a total of 500K with this ring. So, does that mean 100K a year? There is nothing in this article to substantiate 100K per month. That is a fabrication without more proof.
To many questions and too many would-be scoop reporters running around throwing out BS.
WoodysGirl
02-10-2006, 11:09 AM
Wow Nors, you're like a dog with a bone on this one. Haven't seen you like this since the original "Ty Law to Dallas" days.
What's your beef w/waiting until everything comes out? Yes alot of info has come out, but that's for the public more than the actual legal entities involved.
Trouble in Coyoteland, Part II
02/10/2006 07:33:29
A story that began with a whimper in the Jersey press about a former Philadelphia Flyer - now Phoenix Coyotes associate coach - and two other men accused of running a bookmaking operation, has boiled up into a billowing black cloud over the National Hockey League, its most famous player and perhaps the Winter Games in Turin.
Headlines scream across Canada that the bloom is off that country’s most endearing personality – “The Great One” Wayne Gretzky.
Very soon Gretzky will depart for the Winter Olympics as the architect and director of the Canadian national hockey team. Already background noise is rising urging Gretzky to step down and spare the team and the Olympics the tarnish of this ongoing betting scandal.
Because of Gretzky’s reputation, because of his reported knowledge of the bookmaking operation, because of his deep friendship to its alleged financier Rick Tocchet, because of his semi-celebrity wife’s reported betting, this story has become the Wayne Gretzky story.
The biggest question in the sporting world today is what did Wayne know and when did he know it?
The Newark Star-Ledger, which has largely led the way on the story, reports today that an unnamed law enforcement source says Gretzky and Tocchet were caught on telephone wiretap several weeks ago discussing how they could minimize the fallout for themselves and Gretzky’s wife, Janet Jones.In the wiretapped conversation, Gretzky and Tocchet, a Coyotes assistant coach, discussed what authorities knew about the gambling operation, how they knew it and how they and Jones could stay out of trouble, the source said yesterday.
In the middle of Thursday night’s Coyotes’ game at Glendale Arena, Gretzky’s wife Janet Jones, who is accused of laying down large bets with the gambling ring, issued a press release saying she never placed a bet for her husband. "Other than the occasional horse race, my husband does not bet on any sports."
In a post-game news conference, Gretzky said,
"I've done nothing wrong, or nothing that has to do with anything along the lines of betting. …That just never happened. ...I've felt like the last three days I've defended myself over something that absolutely, unequivocally I was not involved with."
In the press conference, Gretzky revealed something of the stress he is under:
"I hope you appreciate that (the past) three days have been horrible, and I'm just too tired mentally and physically to talk any more about it. There's nothing for me to talk about. If you have any questions for people who are involved in this, you should contact them."
Earlier, Gretzky was quoted in theEast Valley Tribune saying,
“If I had made one bet, I would have quit the Coyotes. I would never embarrass the team or the organization. If I had made one bet, I would have quit Team Canada. I would never embarrass them. There's nothing for me to hide from."
A problem Gretzky faces at the moment is loss of credibility. When the scandal first broke, he denied knowledge of it, according to press reports. Subsequent stories of his phone conversations with Tocchet suggest otherwise.Knight Ridder columnist Greg Cote writes,
There is no indication yet that Gretzky was directly involved. He denies the common supposition that he placed bets through his wife, although that denial must be weighed in the context of what appears pretty clear now:
The Great One is a liar.
Gretzky claimed Tuesday he had no knowledge of the gambling ring or his wife's participation until Tocchet informed him Monday night.
Oops. Wrong answer, Wayne.
Big problems also loom for the National Hockey League, which Canada’s National Post columnist Mark Spector argues has known for years it has a gambling problem:
Let's face it -- NHL players and officials have been linked to gambling in recent years so often, it was inevitable that the law would walk through a door the league has clearly been unable to shut. Keith Tkachuk and Jeremy Roenick have both been linked to professional gamblers in published reports, and you can be sure NHL commissioner Gary Bettman is not chuckling at the irony that those two and Tocchet once made up the Coyotes' first line in Phoenix. :eek: Jaromir Jagr has made the papers as a heavy gambler as well.
Some sports writers want to know why the NHL commissioner, the unfortunately named Gary Bettman, has not been more visible addressing the matter.
Writes Cote,
This isn't a black eye for Bettman's beleaguered league. It is that, plus a bloody nose, broken teeth and, just for good measure, a busted kneecap.:o:
Hostile
02-10-2006, 11:17 AM
Trouble in Coyoteland, Part II
02/10/2006 07:33:29
A story that began with a whimper in the Jersey press about a former Philadelphia Flyer - now Phoenix Coyotes associate coach - and two other men accused of running a bookmaking operation, has boiled up into a billowing black cloud over the National Hockey League, its most famous player and perhaps the Winter Games in Turin.
Headlines scream across Canada that the bloom is off that country’s most endearing personality – “The Great One” Wayne Gretzky.
Very soon Gretzky will depart for the Winter Olympics as the architect and director of the Canadian national hockey team. Already background noise is rising urging Gretzky to step down and spare the team and the Olympics the tarnish of this ongoing betting scandal.
Because of Gretzky’s reputation, because of his reported knowledge of the bookmaking operation, because of his deep friendship to its alleged financier Rick Tocchet, because of his semi-celebrity wife’s reported betting, this story has become the Wayne Gretzky story.
The biggest question in the sporting world today is what did Wayne know and when did he know it?
The Newark Star-Ledger, which has largely led the way on the story, reports today that an unnamed law enforcement source says Gretzky and Tocchet were caught on telephone wiretap several weeks ago discussing how they could minimize the fallout for themselves and Gretzky’s wife, Janet Jones.In the wiretapped conversation, Gretzky and Tocchet, a Coyotes assistant coach, discussed what authorities knew about the gambling operation, how they knew it and how they and Jones could stay out of trouble, the source said yesterday.
In the middle of Thursday night’s Coyotes’ game at Glendale Arena, Gretzky’s wife Janet Jones, who is accused of laying down large bets with the gambling ring, issued a press release saying she never placed a bet for her husband. "Other than the occasional horse race, my husband does not bet on any sports."
In a post-game news conference, Gretzky said,
"I've done nothing wrong, or nothing that has to do with anything along the lines of betting. …That just never happened. ...I've felt like the last three days I've defended myself over something that absolutely, unequivocally I was not involved with."
In the press conference, Gretzky revealed something of the stress he is under:
"I hope you appreciate that (the past) three days have been horrible, and I'm just too tired mentally and physically to talk any more about it. There's nothing for me to talk about. If you have any questions for people who are involved in this, you should contact them."
Earlier, Gretzky was quoted in theEast Valley Tribune saying,
“If I had made one bet, I would have quit the Coyotes. I would never embarrass the team or the organization. If I had made one bet, I would have quit Team Canada. I would never embarrass them. There's nothing for me to hide from."
A problem Gretzky faces at the moment is loss of credibility. When the scandal first broke, he denied knowledge of it, according to press reports. Subsequent stories of his phone conversations with Tocchet suggest otherwise.Knight Ridder columnist Greg Cote writes,
There is no indication yet that Gretzky was directly involved. He denies the common supposition that he placed bets through his wife, although that denial must be weighed in the context of what appears pretty clear now:
The Great One is a liar.
Gretzky claimed Tuesday he had no knowledge of the gambling ring or his wife's participation until Tocchet informed him Monday night.
Oops. Wrong answer, Wayne.
Big problems also loom for the National Hockey League, which Canada’s National Post columnist Mark Spector argues has known for years it has a gambling problem:
Let's face it -- NHL players and officials have been linked to gambling in recent years so often, it was inevitable that the law would walk through a door the league has clearly been unable to shut. Keith Tkachuk and Jeremy Roenick have both been linked to professional gamblers in published reports, and you can be sure NHL commissioner Gary Bettman is not chuckling at the irony that those two and Tocchet once made up the Coyotes' first line in Phoenix. :eek: Jaromir Jagr has made the papers as a heavy gambler as well.
Some sports writers want to know why the NHL commissioner, the unfortunately named Gary Bettman, has not been more visible addressing the matter.
Writes Cote,
This isn't a black eye for Bettman's beleaguered league. It is that, plus a bloody nose, broken teeth and, just for good measure, a busted kneecap.:o:This is a newspaper article. They aren't documented anything.
Hostile
02-10-2006, 11:17 AM
Wow Nors, you're like a dog with a bone on this one. Haven't seen you like this since the original "Ty Law to Dallas" days.
What's your beef w/waiting until everything comes out? Yes alot of info has come out, but that's for the public more than the actual legal entities involved.Aren't you glad he's not a judge or an attorney? I would never put him on a jury. He'd read the paper and sleep through the trial.
Wow.
Hostile
02-10-2006, 11:18 AM
OK, this article says that the ring has been in existance for at least 5 years. Does that mean that the investigation has been going on for 5 years?
The article also states that Jones has bet a total of 500K with this ring. So, does that mean 100K a year? There is nothing in this article to substantiate 100K per month. That is a fabrication without more proof.
To many questions and too many would-be scoop reporters running around throwing out BS.You're way short. He said she bet $500k per month. Over 5 years that's a lot of scratch.
Hostile
02-10-2006, 11:20 AM
Your right, that's why he's in jail right now, correct? Get real. At this point, there is nothing to link him to anything.
You have no clue what is on tape. According to ESPN, there was a discussion between he and Tochett discussing how he could keep his wife out of this mess. That would clearly indicate to me that the discussion took place after they were informed of the investigations findings. How does that constitute knowledge of the gambling ring? To me, that's a husband trying to get his wife out of trouble. What husband, worth a crap wouldn't do that? Wouldn't you try to do the same for your wife if you could?
At this point, no substance other then shock value for the tabloids and of course you.When I tried to point this out he called it an "attack." Said it was off topic.
You know what that means right? Unless you agree with his views, you're "off topic." Never straighten him out. That's an "attack."
Beyond ridiculous.
Wow Nors, you're like a dog with a bone on this one. Haven't seen you like this since the original "Ty Law to Dallas" days.
What's your beef w/waiting until everything comes out? Yes alot of info has come out, but that's for the public more than the actual legal entities involved.
I have access to a lot of stuff on this case. There is a lot of local radio talk with proven insiders that are days ahead of the curve on this story.
Gretzky is going down here - by all accounts. I have had direct dealings in gambling and have seen what organized crime represents and do. Its more than the "movies" depicts and glorifies.
Guys like Tochett, the bad cop Arrested, the Philly crime syndicate are bad, bad people. That Gretzky has allowed himself to be drawn in like this reflects poorly on him, his sport, his team and his country at Olympics.
Its easy to advocate he's a great guy, he surely was not involved, he didn't lie, leave him alone, etc.
Based on all I've seen - He'd be best served stepping down and letting this go through the legal process. His first attempt at covering up his family involvement was a very, very poor precursor of his intentions/involvement - JMO
ABQCOWBOY
02-10-2006, 11:26 AM
Trouble in Coyoteland, Part II
02/10/2006 07:33:29
A story that began with a whimper in the Jersey press about a former Philadelphia Flyer - now Phoenix Coyotes associate coach - and two other men accused of running a bookmaking operation, has boiled up into a billowing black cloud over the National Hockey League, its most famous player and perhaps the Winter Games in Turin.
Headlines scream across Canada that the bloom is off that country’s most endearing personality – “The Great One” Wayne Gretzky.
Very soon Gretzky will depart for the Winter Olympics as the architect and director of the Canadian national hockey team. Already background noise is rising urging Gretzky to step down and spare the team and the Olympics the tarnish of this ongoing betting scandal.
Because of Gretzky’s reputation, because of his reported knowledge of the bookmaking operation, because of his deep friendship to its alleged financier Rick Tocchet, because of his semi-celebrity wife’s reported betting, this story has become the Wayne Gretzky story.
The biggest question in the sporting world today is what did Wayne know and when did he know it?
The Newark Star-Ledger, which has largely led the way on the story, reports today that an unnamed law enforcement source says Gretzky and Tocchet were caught on telephone wiretap several weeks ago discussing how they could minimize the fallout for themselves and Gretzky’s wife, Janet Jones.In the wiretapped conversation, Gretzky and Tocchet, a Coyotes assistant coach, discussed what authorities knew about the gambling operation, how they knew it and how they and Jones could stay out of trouble, the source said yesterday.
In the middle of Thursday night’s Coyotes’ game at Glendale Arena, Gretzky’s wife Janet Jones, who is accused of laying down large bets with the gambling ring, issued a press release saying she never placed a bet for her husband. "Other than the occasional horse race, my husband does not bet on any sports."
In a post-game news conference, Gretzky said,
"I've done nothing wrong, or nothing that has to do with anything along the lines of betting. …That just never happened. ...I've felt like the last three days I've defended myself over something that absolutely, unequivocally I was not involved with."
In the press conference, Gretzky revealed something of the stress he is under:
"I hope you appreciate that (the past) three days have been horrible, and I'm just too tired mentally and physically to talk any more about it. There's nothing for me to talk about. If you have any questions for people who are involved in this, you should contact them."
Earlier, Gretzky was quoted in theEast Valley Tribune saying,
“If I had made one bet, I would have quit the Coyotes. I would never embarrass the team or the organization. If I had made one bet, I would have quit Team Canada. I would never embarrass them. There's nothing for me to hide from."
A problem Gretzky faces at the moment is loss of credibility. When the scandal first broke, he denied knowledge of it, according to press reports. Subsequent stories of his phone conversations with Tocchet suggest otherwise.Knight Ridder columnist Greg Cote writes,
There is no indication yet that Gretzky was directly involved. He denies the common supposition that he placed bets through his wife, although that denial must be weighed in the context of what appears pretty clear now:
The Great One is a liar.
Gretzky claimed Tuesday he had no knowledge of the gambling ring or his wife's participation until Tocchet informed him Monday night.
Oops. Wrong answer, Wayne.
Big problems also loom for the National Hockey League, which Canada’s National Post columnist Mark Spector argues has known for years it has a gambling problem:
Let's face it -- NHL players and officials have been linked to gambling in recent years so often, it was inevitable that the law would walk through a door the league has clearly been unable to shut. Keith Tkachuk and Jeremy Roenick have both been linked to professional gamblers in published reports, and you can be sure NHL commissioner Gary Bettman is not chuckling at the irony that those two and Tocchet once made up the Coyotes' first line in Phoenix. :eek: Jaromir Jagr has made the papers as a heavy gambler as well.
Some sports writers want to know why the NHL commissioner, the unfortunately named Gary Bettman, has not been more visible addressing the matter.
Writes Cote,
This isn't a black eye for Bettman's beleaguered league. It is that, plus a bloody nose, broken teeth and, just for good measure, a busted kneecap.:o:
OK, how is this different then any of the rest of the stuff we've already talked about? I'm sorry, but I can't see how a guy can be condemed for trying to keep his wife out of trouble. The guy said he had no kowledge of the ring. That could be true. I mean, he may have known that his wife had placed bets with what turned out to be a ring but that's not the same as having actual knowledge of the gambling ring. Lets stick to the exact letter of each word here why don't we. I'm sure we all go 25 and not 26 in a school zone crossing and I know we all go 55 and not 56 on the free way right?
I think that at this point, you have nothing on the guy and everybody is trying to make something out of nothing because he is Gretzky. If it comes out that he was involved with it, then fine, I have no beef at all with whatever. It's an entirely different thing to convict the guy on 0 evidence and what the press is spinning in order to sell air time.
WoodysGirl
02-10-2006, 11:29 AM
I have access to a lot of stuff on this case. There is a lot of local radio talk with proven insiders that are days ahead of the curve on this story. maybe so, but no one should ever hose their life just based on allegations. I know little to squat about hockey, but the basic premise for public figures when B.S. comes out is simply make a statement (which he did) and then let the legal eagles sort it out. Move forward as if he has org backing him and let the process do its job. Try to keep as low a profile as possble until furor dies down some.
While it's definitely a whole lot deeper, but you're reacting similar to how folks were acting when Irvin got arrested recently. Jumping to conclusions and ready to hang the guy.
From what I understand, I think Gretzky has built up enuff cred to at least warrant a benefit of the doubt. JMO
You're way short. He said she bet $500k per month. Over 5 years that's a lot of scratch.
Hos: stay out of a debate that you don't have the facts on. Its all there for you to read if you want.
*This was an operation that was in existence NJ authorities said dated back to 2001.
*They tracked and documentd $1.7M in bets in a 4-5 week period in late December to 2-5-06. Remember Operation slap shot was only set up in October 2005. Of the $1.7M in that timeframe JANET JONES BET $500K!!!!!!!! $75K on Super Bowl and $5K on coin flip. (you'd have to be naive to think a person betting that coin on 1 game only bet $420K in previous 5 years) FACTS ARE $500K in said period they tracked
Gretzky was wiretapped weeks ago with Tochett scheming how to cover this up. He better hope Feds and Ricoh act does not get involved.:laugh2: Poor lad went out and got caught in a HUGE Lie denying he knew!
What else is he lying about?
ABQCOWBOY
02-10-2006, 11:34 AM
I have access to a lot of stuff on this case. There is a lot of local radio talk with proven insiders that are days ahead of the curve on this story.
Gretzky is going down here - by all accounts. I have had direct dealings in gambling and have seen what organized crime represents and do. Its more than the "movies" depicts and glorifies.
Guys like Tochett, the bad cop Arrested, the Philly crime syndicate are bad, bad people. That Gretzky has allowed himself to be drawn in like this reflects poorly on him, his sport, his team and his country at Olympics.
Its easy to advocate he's a great guy, he surely was not involved, he didn't lie, leave him alone, etc.
Based on all I've seen - He'd be best served stepping down and letting this go through the legal process. His first attempt at covering up his family involvement was a very, very poor precursor of his intentions/involvement - JMO
LOL!!!!
The on line "Official Law Fan Club" does not exactly qualify as an authority on matters of Law. You don't know anything more then anybody else on this because any sort of Federal Investigation does not permit knowledge of investigation to anybody. Info is realeased through official channels only.
What are we talking here Nors, Ask Zola? The Great Eight Ball or the Amazing Carnac? Tell me which numbers I should be looking at in the PowerBall tomorrow will ya?
ABQCOWBOY
02-10-2006, 11:37 AM
Hos: stay out of a debate that you don't have the facts on. Its all there for you to read if you want.
*This was an operation that was in existence NJ authorities said dated back to 2001.
*They tracked and documentd $1.7M in bets in a 4-5 week period in late December to 2-5-06. Remember Operation slap shot was only set up in October 2005. Of the $1.7M in that timeframe JANET JONES BET $500K!!!!!!!! $75K on Super Bowl and $5K on coin flip. (you'd have to be naive to think a person betting that coin on 1 game only bet $420K in previous 5 years) FACTS ARE $500K in said period they tracked
Gretzky was wiretapped weeks ago with Tochett scheming how to cover this up. He better hope Feds and Ricoh act does not get involved.:laugh2: Poor lad went out and got caught in a HUGE Lie denying he knew!
What else is he lying about?
I once heard him say, "Law to Dallas."
Outside of that, I have no other knowledge of any untruths.
;)
Gretzky is in a much better situation than Irvin
Albeit remote (Gretzky could be clueless on Wife and friends illegal activities)
Irvin was guilty as arrested. He had a crack pipe with residue on his person after search/speeding ticket. He was suspended by ESPN for a week.
Hostile
02-10-2006, 11:44 AM
Hos: stay out of a debate that you don't have the facts on. Its all there for you to read if you want.
*This was an operation that was in existence NJ authorities said dated back to 2001.
*They tracked and documentd $1.7M in bets in a 4-5 week period in late December to 2-5-06. Remember Operation slap shot was only set up in October 2005. Of the $1.7M in that timeframe JANET JONES BET $500K!!!!!!!! $75K on Super Bowl and $5K on coin flip. (you'd have to be naive to think a person betting that coin on 1 game only bet $420K in previous 5 years) FACTS ARE $500K in said period they tracked
Gretzky was wiretapped weeks ago with Tochett scheming how to cover this up. He better hope Feds and Ricoh act does not get involved.:laugh2: Poor lad went out and got caught in a HUGE Lie denying he knew!
What else is he lying about?Don't have the facts?
Oh but I do have the facts.
1. Wayne Gretzky has not been charged with any crime or accused of any crime, but you have him in deep trouble and needing to resign everything he's a part of.
2. The above suggestions (#1) by you completely skip what is called "Due Process of Law" and are in fact unconstitutional. I will gladly explain the Constitution of the United States to you if it will help.
3. I have pointed this (#2) out and you've deemed it an attack when in actuality it is a lesson in government and Law.
4. You believe Internet sites and newspaper articles a "documented proof." They aren't. You are the National Enquirer's dream customer.
5. I corrected you on this (#4) as well.
6. You stated that Janet Jones, a.k.a. Mrs. Wayne Gretzky was gambling "$500k per month" with Tochet's organization. A complete misrepresentation of anything being reported.
Those are just some of the facts. As your delusions grow I'm sure more will surface.
Don't have the facts?
6. You stated that Janet Jones, a.k.a. Mrs. Wayne Gretzky was gambling "$500k per month" with Tochet's organization. A complete misrepresentation of anything being reported.
Those are just some of the facts. As your delusions grow I'm sure more will surface.
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/10/sports/hockey/10betting.html?ex=1297227600&&en=897c7037196869b7&&ei=5088&&partner=rssnyt&&emc=rss
Its documented she bet $500K in the month period documented in this investigation. Stay focused, your faulty assertion completely blown up. Schooled again.
Don't sling bs - you were duly called. Your 5 yeartimeframe was wrong eh?
ESPN doing a nice article on investigation now.
ABQCOWBOY
02-10-2006, 12:04 PM
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/10/sports/hockey/10betting.html?ex=1297227600&&en=897c7037196869b7&&ei=5088&&partner=rssnyt&&emc=rss
Its documented she bet $500K in the month period documented in this investigation. Stay focused, your faulty assertion completely blown up. Schooled again.
Don't sling bs - you were duly called. Your 5 yeartimeframe was wrong eh?
ESPN doing a nice article on investigation now.
One question, who is providing this inside info to the press? You have provided yet another unsubstantiated article and are now trying to pass it off as legal proof. Not going to fly Nors. These alligations may prove to be true but that doesn't change the fact that it's still nothing more then hear say at this point.
Hostile
02-10-2006, 12:05 PM
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/10/sports/hockey/10betting.html?ex=1297227600&&en=897c7037196869b7&&ei=5088&&partner=rssnyt&&emc=rss
Its documented she bet $500K in the month period documented in this investigation. Stay focused, your faulty assertion completely blown up. Schooled again.
Don't sling bs - you were duly called. Your 5 yeartimeframe was wrong eh?
ESPN doing a nice article on investigation now.Wasn't my time frame and I haven't reported anything.
October 2005 through the Super Bowl is 1 month in your world?
Once again, that is "documented" anything.
Do you know what "documented" means? I can't believe I'm asking. Of course not. Go ahead and accuse me of slander now.
:lmao2:
I noticed you couldn't even refute anything else. Not surprised.
Read it - Hos its all there in the thread many times. I'm not going to repost it again. It was a 4-5 week period that they tracked the betting and it totalled $1.7M of Which Wayne's wife bet $500K. $80K On Super Bowl alone......
What happened to your 5 year timeframe? Blown up!!!!!!
You were wrong, caught arguing with no facts. Stop - you are running out of blood on this.
Stay focused!
Green named in probe
Forward doesn't offer comments
Travis Green, seen beating Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury last night, was named in connnection with the gambling probe allegedly run by Rick Tochhet. (AP Photo)
By Fluto Shinzawa, Globe Staff | February 9, 2006
PITTSBURGH -- While New Jersey State Police have declined to identify current players that were involved in the gambling enterprise allegedly financed by Phoenix Coyotes assistant coach Rick Tocchet, yesterday's Newark Star-Ledger named Bruins forward Travis Green as one of the participants.
| Breaking News Alerts Green, who scored Boston's first goal at 7:05 of the second period, was tight-lipped about the allegations, both after the game and at the pregame skate at Mellon Arena. He declined to answer whether he has been interviewed by investigators.
''I don't have a lot to say about it," Green said, who acknowledged feeling relief after scoring. ''[Tocchet] is a friend of mine, but I have no comment about it. I have no comment on that situation."
Tuesday, New Jersey State Police announced the arrests of trooper James Harney, 40, identified as Tocchet's partner by investigators, and James Ulmer, 41, of Swedesboro, N.J. Harney and Ulmer were charged with promoting gambling, money laundering, and conspiracy. Ulmer, according to New Jersey State Police, allegedly funneled wagers to Harney.
''It's certainly not a positive thing for hockey," Bruins coach Mike Sullivan said. ''At this point there's due process. Those of us on the outside really don't know the details, so it's really difficult to comment."
Green, who played in Phoenix for two seasons, played with Tocchet for less than a year. Green played in 78 games for the Coyotes in 1999-2000, and 69 games for Phoenix during the 2000-01 season. In 1999-2000, his third season with the Coyotes, Tocchet was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers after playing 64 games for Phoenix that year. Los Angeles Kings center Jeremy Roenick, also named in the Star-Ledger report, played for the Coyotes from 1996 to 2001. Roenick has admitted to gambling in the past.
''I spoke to Travis personally to make sure he was in the right frame of mind," said Sullivan, who played for the Coyotes for four years before he retired in 2001-02. ''I thought our guys had the necessary focus to be effective out there."
ABQCOWBOY
02-10-2006, 12:24 PM
Read it - Hos its all there in the thread many times. I'm not going to repost it again. It was a 4-5 week period that they tracked the betting and it totalled $1.7M of Which Wayne's wife bet $500K. $80K On Super Bowl alone......
What happened to your 5 year timeframe? Blown up!!!!!!
You were wrong, caught arguing with no facts. Stop - you are running out of blood on this.
Stay focused!
Hold the phone here. In the original article you posted, it said the ring had been running for 5 years. It did not pin point the time frame of the 500K. The article you just posted seems to be a re-hash of what has already been circulated with just a bit of difference in the time frames thrown in for flavor. In all of these articles, I have not seen anybody referenced as a source in any official capacity. Only vague statments and time frames. Sorry, nothing I've seen here passes for anything other then hear say.
Misconduct taints game: Scandal tests integrity
By Steve Buckley
Boston Herald General Sports Columnist
Friday, February 10, 2006 - Updated: 01:13 AM EST
You know your league is in trouble when one of your all-time greatest players is getting his name in the papers next to the words “wire tap.”
You know your league is in trouble when it’s just too easy to confuse those colorful mob nicknames with the nicknames of your own players.
And...
The rest of article can only be read by those with integrity.
Hold the phone here. In the original article you posted, it said the ring had been running for 5 years. It did not pin point the time frame of the 500K. The article you just posted seems to be a re-hash of what has already been circulated with just a bit of difference in the time frames thrown in for flavor. In all of these articles, I have not seen anybody referenced as a source in any official capacity. Only vague statments and time frames. Sorry, nothing I've seen here passes for anything other then hear say.
Multiple reports and sources report Jones/Gretzky bet $500K in past month. She by all accounts bet a LOT.....
It's in all the articles. Heck, Wayne was wiretapped trying to figure out how to cover it up....... GM of Phoenix bet with Tochet, another coach today admitted that he knew Tochet was a gambler - in fact watched games with him.
Do you think at this point this is all fabricated? To make Jones/Gretzky look bad? I've read many of the court doc's - looks pretty damn serious to me.
Gretzky Says He Never Placed a Bet With Ring
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By DAVE CALDWELL
Published: February 10, 2006
A drawn and weary Wayne Gretzky, hockey's Great One and now the coach of the Phoenix Coyotes, said last night that he did not participate in a betting ring that New Jersey authorities said was financed by his friend and assistant, Rick Tocchet.
Skip to next paragraph
Stephen Shugerman/Getty Images
Wayne Gretzky said he was "concerned" for his assistant Rick Tocchet and his wife, Janet Jones.
"First and foremost, I've done nothing wrong — nothing that has anything along the lines of betting," Gretzky said in a news conference after the Coyotes' 5-1 loss to the Dallas Stars in Glendale, Ariz. "That never happened. I didn't bet. It didn't happen. It's not going to happen, it hasn't happened, and it's not something I've done."
Gretzky said he planned to continue to coach the Coyotes, who have lost five of their past six games, and also planned to accompany the Canadian men's hockey team, of which he is the executive director, to the Olympics in Turin, Italy. He called the past three days, in which his name was connected to the betting ring, as "horrible." He did not take questions from reporters.
"I am too tired mentally and physically to talk any more about it," he said.
Earlier, Janet Jones, Gretzky's wife, issued a statement through the Coyotes in which she said her husband was not involved in the betting ring.
"At no time did I ever place a wager on my husband's behalf, period," Jones said in the statement. "Other than the occasional horse race, my husband does not bet on any sports."
Jones has not been charged in the investigation, but The Star-Ledger of Newark reported yesterday that law-enforcement officials told the newspaper that Gretzky had been recorded on a wiretap talking to Tocchet about how Jones could avoid implication. The article did not specify when Gretzky was recorded.
The newspaper reported that Jones bet $500,000 in recent weeks, including $75,000 on Super Bowl XL. Elliot Mintz, a spokesman for Jones, said Jones might be called as a witness before a grand jury in the New Jersey gambling ring
ABQCOWBOY
02-10-2006, 12:39 PM
To me, the real indicator would be when a person can be tried, convicted and banned from his career on nothing more then a couple of hacks buy lines.
ABQCOWBOY
02-10-2006, 12:46 PM
Multiple reports and sources report Jones/Gretzky bet $500K in past month. She by all accounts bet a LOT.....
It's in all the articles. Heck, Wayne was wiretapped trying to figure out how to cover it up....... GM of Phoenix bet with Tochet, another coach today admitted that he knew Tochet was a gambler - in fact watched games with him.
Do you think at this point this is all fabricated? To make Jones/Gretzky look bad? I've read many of the court doc's - looks pretty damn serious to me.
Gretzky Says He Never Placed a Bet With Ring
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By DAVE CALDWELL
Published: February 10, 2006
A drawn and weary Wayne Gretzky, hockey's Great One and now the coach of the Phoenix Coyotes, said last night that he did not participate in a betting ring that New Jersey authorities said was financed by his friend and assistant, Rick Tocchet.
Skip to next paragraph
Stephen Shugerman/Getty Images
Wayne Gretzky said he was "concerned" for his assistant Rick Tocchet and his wife, Janet Jones.
"First and foremost, I've done nothing wrong — nothing that has anything along the lines of betting," Gretzky said in a news conference after the Coyotes' 5-1 loss to the Dallas Stars in Glendale, Ariz. "That never happened. I didn't bet. It didn't happen. It's not going to happen, it hasn't happened, and it's not something I've done."
Gretzky said he planned to continue to coach the Coyotes, who have lost five of their past six games, and also planned to accompany the Canadian men's hockey team, of which he is the executive director, to the Olympics in Turin, Italy. He called the past three days, in which his name was connected to the betting ring, as "horrible." He did not take questions from reporters.
"I am too tired mentally and physically to talk any more about it," he said.
Earlier, Janet Jones, Gretzky's wife, issued a statement through the Coyotes in which she said her husband was not involved in the betting ring.
"At no time did I ever place a wager on my husband's behalf, period," Jones said in the statement. "Other than the occasional horse race, my husband does not bet on any sports."
Jones has not been charged in the investigation, but The Star-Ledger of Newark reported yesterday that law-enforcement officials told the newspaper that Gretzky had been recorded on a wiretap talking to Tocchet about how Jones could avoid implication. The article did not specify when Gretzky was recorded.
The newspaper reported that Jones bet $500,000 in recent weeks, including $75,000 on Super Bowl XL. Elliot Mintz, a spokesman for Jones, said Jones might be called as a witness before a grand jury in the New Jersey gambling ring
Provide the court docs. If you have proof of this, then by all means, it would be more credible then stories cut and pasted out of whichever newspaper is trying to get something in print to sell copy.
I think that Jones bet on games. How much or how often, I don't know. I think that right now there is no evidence getting released to the press and that because of the lack of info, the press is doing what it typically does. It's filling in it's own blanks. Could they be correct? Sure, anything is possible. The question here is not if what is being reported is right or wrong. The question here is when did it become acceptable for a guy to be convicted off of public opinion?
Facts:
No charges have been filed against Gretzky to this point.
No evidence has been released that links Gretsky to any gambling at all.
No exact time frames are known on anything yet. No official word at all.
Jones has publically stated that at no time did she place bets on behalf of here husband.
These are the facts and they can not be disputed.
All the rest is speculation and hear say at this point.
The doc's I have read are mostly on Tochett
http://mafiasite.8m.com/philly.htm
These are the guys Tochet, Jones/Gretzky bets are involved with.......
Skinny Joey was a regular in the New Jersey/Philly NHL hockey scene. Often sitting in high profile players seats :) I'll throw you a bone.
http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/sports/13827071.htm?source=rss&channel=inquirer_sports
ABQCOWBOY
02-10-2006, 01:05 PM
The doc's I have read are mostly on Tochett
http://mafiasite.8m.com/philly.htm
These are the guys Tochet, Jones/Gretzky bets are involved with.......
Skinny Joey was a regular in the New Jersey/Philly NHL hockey scene. Often sitting in high profile players seats :) I'll throw you a bone.
Let me tell you what you can do with your bone.
The link you sent is not any sort of legal documentation. OK?
Skinny Joey was reported on ESPN sitting in Lindros's seats already. OK?
It does not link to Gretzky. OK?
Trying to present this in such a way as to implicate Gretsky, IE Jones/Gretzky are involved with, is unfounded. There is no link and further, there is no link to Gretzky being involved with Jones' betting. OK?
Either provide real legal documentation or sack up. You are pulling crap off the tabloids. One or the other. The onis is on you to backup what you have said. You have sources. Provide them.
Let me tell you what you can do with your bone.
The link you sent is not any sort of legal documentation. OK?
Skinny Joey was reported on ESPN sitting in Lindros's seats already. OK?
It does not link to Gretzky. OK?
Trying to present this in such a way as to implicate Gretsky, IE Jones/Gretzky are involved with, is unfounded. There is no link and further, there is no link to Gretzky being involved with Jones' betting. OK?
Either provide real legal documentation or sack up. You are pulling crap off the tabloids. One or the other. The onis is on you to backup what you have said. You have sources. Provide them.
I said I have documents related to Tochett's charges - nothing so far on Jones/Gretzky being charged for their role as bettors as they have not been charged. Association, knowledge, participation are very damning!
You have a gambling ring in NJ/Philly?
You do that for 5 years?
You are still alive?
You are involved with the Bruno Scarfo family.
Tocchet on leave
Tocchet has been granted a leave of absence from his job as an assistant coach for the Coyotes. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has reportedly put conditions on his leave; Tocchet cannot communicate with anyone linked to the NHL, and Bettman will have final say on when his leave of absence is up.
The commissioner also reserves the right to change the conditions of the leave of absence at any time.
Meanwhile, Tocchet's lawyer denies his client was financing a sports gambling ring or involved with organized crime.
"The allegation that Rick Tocchet financed an illegal gambling operation with organized crime is categorically false and irresponsible," said prominent Newark, N.J. attorney Kevin Marino in a statement issued Wednesday.
Police have charged Tocchet, and another man, James Al Ulmer, with money-laundering, promoting gambling and conspiracy. Ulmer has been released on bail. Tocchet is due to appear in court within days.
Harney, a friend of Tocchet's from Philadelphia, has been charged with money-laundering, conspiracy, official misconduct and promoting gambling. He has been released on bail.
According to court filings, Harney and Tocchet allegedly started their betting operation in 2001. It was based in New Jersey's Evesham Township. At the time, Harney was a state trooper and Tocchet was playing for the Philadelphia Flyers.
The pair reportedly became friends nearly a decade ago, when Harney was working as a bartender at a Holiday Inn bar frequented by Tocchet, who was playing for the Flyers, according to Captain Albert Della Fave of the New Jersey state police. The bar was near the Flyers' arena.
Police say the bar was frequented by members of the Bruno-Scarfo crime family, as well as Joseph (Skinny Joey) Merlino, who was convicted of racketeering in 2001.
Fave said that bets were placed on a variety of sports.
When asked if that included hockey, he said police were still investigating.
The RCMP has not yet been contacted for assistance, Fave said.
Meanwhile, NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said they may re-evaluate their gambling policy in the near future.
That could depend in large part on the results of an investigation by the NHL, led by former federal prosecutor Robert Cleary.
As it stands now, NHL players cannot bet on hockey, but are allowed to make legal bets on other sports.
"I want to emphasize that we don't condone any form of illegal gambling. But when it comes to legalized gambling, the question is where do you draw the line? You are talking about limiting the rights of a hockey player to participate in a legal activity," Daly was quoted saying in the USA Today.
ABQCOWBOY
02-10-2006, 01:41 PM
So basically, nothing then?
This is exactly what you said Nors:
"I have access to a lot of stuff on this case. There is a lot of local radio talk with proven insiders that are days ahead of the curve on this story.
Gretzky is going down here - by all accounts. I have had direct dealings in gambling and have seen what organized crime represents and do. Its more than the "movies" depicts and glorifies."
I'm saying that all of this is hear say. Until it's formally charged, and it might be at some point, I don't know, it's nothing more then rumor.
You can't convict a man or call for his job without any credible proof. At this point, Gretzky is guilty of:
Having a stupid wife who is also incredibly hot.
Loving his wife and doing what he can to try and control the situation.
Keep in mind, he has children as well. If she were to get charged, it would effect them in ways we can only imagine.
What husband would not try and prevent this situation from getting out of hand?
Never said I had Documents on Jones/Gretzky.
He is in trouble when this is done.
Gotti awatch the company you keep!!!!!!!!
According to court filings, Harney and Tocchet allegedly started their betting operation in 2001. It was based in New Jersey's Evesham Township. At the time, Harney was a state trooper and Tocchet was playing for the Philadelphia Flyers.
The pair reportedly became friends nearly a decade ago, when Harney was working as a bartender at a Holiday Inn bar frequented by Tocchet, who was playing for the Flyers, according to Captain Albert Della Fave of the New Jersey state police. The bar was near the Flyers' arena.
Police say the bar was frequented by members of the Bruno-Scarfo crime family, as well as Joseph (Skinny Joey) Merlino, who was convicted of racketeering in 2001.
Fave said that bets were placed on a variety of sports.
ABQCOWBOY
02-10-2006, 01:53 PM
Never said I had Documents on Jones/Gretzky.
He is in trouble when this is done.
Gotti awatch the company you keep!!!!!!!!
According to court filings, Harney and Tocchet allegedly started their betting operation in 2001. It was based in New Jersey's Evesham Township. At the time, Harney was a state trooper and Tocchet was playing for the Philadelphia Flyers.
The pair reportedly became friends nearly a decade ago, when Harney was working as a bartender at a Holiday Inn bar frequented by Tocchet, who was playing for the Flyers, according to Captain Albert Della Fave of the New Jersey state police. The bar was near the Flyers' arena.
Police say the bar was frequented by members of the Bruno-Scarfo crime family, as well as Joseph (Skinny Joey) Merlino, who was convicted of racketeering in 2001.
Fave said that bets were placed on a variety of sports.
So, then you are admitting you don't have any source that links Gretzky with any wrong doing correct?
If this is in fact the case, why should he have to worry about his job? Why should he have to step down?
Hostile
02-10-2006, 01:57 PM
Misconduct taints game: Scandal tests integrity
By Steve Buckley
Boston Herald General Sports Columnist
Friday, February 10, 2006 - Updated: 01:13 AM EST
You know your league is in trouble when one of your all-time greatest players is getting his name in the papers next to the words “wire tap.”
You know your league is in trouble when it’s just too easy to confuse those colorful mob nicknames with the nicknames of your own players.
And...
The rest of article can only be read by those with integrity.Which apparently means you have to hate the Constitution.
Hostile
02-10-2006, 02:02 PM
I've read many of the court doc's - looks pretty damn serious to me.BS
BS
BS
BS
BS
BS
BS
There are no court documents to read yet.
Wrong Hos
I'm looking at a document filed in the Superior Court in Burlington County New Jersey - Filed on 2-5-06 by Detective Coppola, Charge number N.J.S. - 2C:21-25A & C / 2C:2-6 Signed by Captain Jeffrey L Simpkinisi
TOCHETT AND HIS BUDDIES ARE TURNING THEMSELVES IN ON said CHARGES 2-21-06!!!!!
Jones/Gretzky betting fallout to follow!
Hostile
02-10-2006, 02:30 PM
Wrong Hos
I'm looking at a document filed in the Superior Court in Burlington County New Jersey - Filed on 2-5-06 by Detective Coppola, Charge number N.J.S. - 2C:21-25A & C / 2C:2-6 Signed by Captain Jeffrey L Simpkinisi
TOCHETT AND HIS BUDDIES ARE TURNING THEMSELVES IN ON said CHARGES 2-21-06!!!!!
Jones/Gretzky betting fallout to follow!First of all I don't believe you. History.
Second, there's been no trial yet, so there are no "court documents."
First of all I don't believe you. History.
Second, there's been no trial yet, so there are no "court documents."
1) I don't care you don't believe - its the real deal and available for public consumption. You are way off your game today.
2) No court documents? Ok sherlock!!!!!! How was Tocchet notified? Phone call? Pen writing scrawled on a napkin? nO COURT DOCUMENTS - hahaha man thats funny. He's turning himself in on 2-21 for ****s and giggles?
http://sportsmatter.blogspot.com/
Nice leg work - precedent for association with Gamblers - NHL in past and a litany of good links!
State of New Jersey S592970:lmao:
Versus
Richard R Tocchet
DOB 4-19/64
Cliff Notes!
Charges related to period 12-29-05 to 2-5-06
594 Bets total of $1,086,100
Money Laundering
He is 1 of 3 defendants named!
Wayne Gretzky says he doesn't bet. Let's say he's right.
Gretzky says he never bet on professional sports. Or, as he said, "Didn't happen. It's not going to happen. Hasn't happened. It is not something that I have done."
Grant him every word.
But when the Great One says he feels he is defending himself from something he was not involved with, well, the line has to be drawn. And if Gretzky doesn't understand why people are looking to him for either an answer or an explanation, then he's not half the person he appears to be.
And that's just it: Gretzky understands exactly why he is in the middle of the NHL gambling scandal. He just doesn't want to discuss it. From the outside looking in, that's pretty easy to understand.
What anyone can say unequivocally about the case is rather meager. Most of the news has come in the form of leaks from unidentified sources, which is often the way things happen early in a case that hasn't yet fully developed. It's risky business, and it demands going slow and using discretion.
But what is known does affect Gretzky, and it affects him directly. What is known is that his longtime friend and Phoenix associate coach, Rick Tocchet, is accused of being one of the three principal players -- the financier -- in an illegal gambling ring.
Beyond that, Gretzky's wife, Janet Jones, has been identified as one of the people who allegedly placed bets through Tocchet's operation. Jones allegedly made big bets and lots of them -- including a reported $75,000 on the Super Bowl alone. There also was a report, again attributed to unidentified sources, that Gretzky was recorded on a wiretap discussing ways his wife could avoid being implicated in the case.
Jones has released a statement in which she declares specifically that she placed no bets on Gretzky's behalf. But that's not really all there is to it, is it? That's just half of the story.
Many fans will want to believe that Gretzky wouldn't risk his position or his image by throwing down bets through illegal bookies, so let's believe it. But is it substantially better if Gretzky knew the entire operation existed and said nothing?
It may not be illegal, but it doesn't pass the smell test, especially not for the NHL, a league still trying to right itself in the wake of its lost season. There is something incredibly troubling about the prospect -- unproven, but a prospect nonetheless -- that Gretzky knew what was going on, that his wife was involved, that his assistant coach was widely known as the go-to guy for secure bookie betting -- and remained silent.
Of course, no one knows what Gretzky did or didn't say. That's just it. For all anyone knows, Gretzky repeatedly told Tocchet to shut down the alleged operation. Maybe he begged his wife to stay away from the whole deal. Maybe Gretzky tried to steer everyone clear of trouble, and they just didn't listen to him.
That's certainly possible. What isn't possible, at least not on any scale of credibility, is that Gretzky coached alongside the man who supposedly operated the gambling ring and lived with a woman who allegedly placed significant bets through it, yet never knew a thing. That's not real world. And whether or not Gretzky ever answers that question, it remains a completely valid one.
Didn't he know? How could he not know? And even if he didn't break the law by ignoring what may have been going on, doesn't it matter if Wayne Gretzky did ignore it?
It's a harsh standard, perhaps. It is a star standard, the kind that people apply to those in the public eye when they might not pass the same test themselves. In Gretzky's case, the purported participants include a really good friend and a family member, and it's impossible to say what anyone would do in a similar situation. The universe isn't cut and dried.
But as for why the questions are relevant, let there be no doubt. As for why Gretzky should be asked them, there's no mystery at all. When he says he didn't bet, the immediate inclination is to take Gretzky at his word. But not "involved"? No. Very involved. Even if he wishes it weren't so.
Hostile
02-10-2006, 03:27 PM
1) I don't care you don't believe - its the real deal and available for public consumption. You are way off your game today.
2) No court documents? Ok sherlock!!!!!! How was Tocchet notified? Phone call? Pen writing scrawled on a napkin? nO COURT DOCUMENTS - hahaha man thats funny. He's turning himself in on 2-21 for ****s and giggles?
http://sportsmatter.blogspot.com/
Nice leg work - precedent for association with Gamblers - NHL in past and a litany of good links!Ever heard of a warrant? Or an Affadavit to Appear? Or a Summons? Or Miranda Rights? Or lawyers?
Ever heard of the Constitution? Or the Bill of Rights? These documents guarantee Due Process of Law. That means you will not be tried in the Court of Public Opinion which for you is the National Enquirer. It means that you're innocent until proven guilty. Nothing has been proven yet.
Oh I'm quite sure you're convinced of their guilt. You want to know how much your opinion matters? Here's an experimant to tell you how much. Take a bucket and fill it with water. Now stick your hand in the water. Pull your hand out. Look at the water in the bucket. The hole left in the water is how much your opinion means.
Circumstantial evidence, reasonable doubt, plea bargains, Government fraud, all part of the Judicial System. You've bypassed all of that with newspaper and Internet articles.
Yeah, I'm quite sure your reading ability and comprehension is more important than the Bill of Rights and the Constitution. There's no end to your importance.
:rolleyes:
You not only have all these people tried and convicted, you're dancing on the graves of their legacy like that little toy monkey with the cymbals.
Clang, clang, clang. Look at me everyone. I can Google search every article on the subject on the World Wide Web and get a conviction.
If someone points out a flaw in your theory, simple solution, whine about attacks and off topic diversions. You forgot to accuse me of slander though. When will that finally appear?
Enquiring minds want to know.
ABQCOWBOY
02-10-2006, 03:28 PM
Why don't we do this. Let's all agree to get back with one another as soon as it is made public that Wayne Gretzky is going to be charged.
At that point, we will all have something to discuss. Until then, I'm all for not convicting Gretzky until we've actually been told that the Gallows are going up and Hos has been instructed to start fashioning the neck tie.
Hos - move on - you were wrong again on your statement.
I have the document against Tocchet - contrair to your denial. Schooled again!!!!!!!! And yes its in a written document!!!!!!:laugh2:
- stay focused dude.:laugh1:
There are no current charges against Jones/Gretzky. That has no bearing on if Wayne is able to stay in the NHL once this all unfolds. There is precendent if he is in any capacity part of this activity.;)
Hostile
02-10-2006, 03:40 PM
State of New Jersey S592970:lmao:
Versus
Richard R Tocchet
DOB 4-19/64
Cliff Notes!
Charges related to period 12-29-05 to 2-5-06
594 Bets total of $1,086,100
Money Laundering
He is 1 of 3 defendants named!Are the other 2 Defendants Janet Jones or Wayne Gretzky?
Have charges been filed on either of them?
Were you aware that if you aren't being charged with a crime that you won't be incriminating yourself if you testify?
Were you aware that spouses have special exemptions in most states against testifying against their spouse?
If you think you're looking good in all of this, you might want to think again.
Hostile
02-10-2006, 03:42 PM
Hos - move on - you were wrong again on your statement.
I have the document against Tocchet - contrair to your denial. Schooled again!!!!!!!! And yes its in a written document!!!!!!:laugh2:
- stay focused dude.:laugh1:
There are no current charges against Jones/Gretzky. That has no bearing on if Wayne is able to stay in the NHL once this all unfolds. There is precendent if he is in any capacity part of this activity.;)You move on Nors. I don't take my marching orders from you. Never will.
You haven't proven anything. Dream on.
Why don't we do this. Let's all agree to get back with one another as soon as it is made public that Wayne Gretzky is going to be charged.
At that point, we will all have something to discuss. Until then, I'm all for not convicting Gretzky until we've actually been told that the Gallows are going up and Hos has been instructed to start fashioning the neck tie.
He needs to step down, known association with illegal gambling rings, mafia reflects poorly on the NHL and is a distraction/embarassment.
If nothing else - Wayne is practicing for the Summer Olympics. He's been practicing the "throw your wife under the bus" toss!
StanleySpadowski
02-10-2006, 03:46 PM
It's people like Nors who keep people with legitimate inside sources from posting info.
He implies that he has all these sources and inside info but then backs it up much later by showing that he read it on the internet. Hardly "access" in most people's minds.
When people do come in with a "scoop", everyone questions their veracity because of this type of crap.
Now to Gretzky. Just because some people can't fathom betting $75,000 on a single game doesn't mean anything. When you have a net worth in the hundreds of millions of dollars, that's chump change. Some people finding a quarter on the street affects them more.
ABQCOWBOY
02-10-2006, 03:49 PM
Hos - move on - you were wrong again on your statement.
I have the document against Tocchet - contrair to your denial. Schooled again!!!!!!!! And yes its in a written document!!!!!!:laugh2:
- stay focused dude.:laugh1:
There are no current charges against Jones/Gretzky. That has no bearing on if Wayne is able to stay in the NHL once this all unfolds. There is precendent if he is in any capacity part of this activity.;)
Tocchet is a far piece down the road from where you were trying to take this Nors, which is link it directly to Gretzky. You and I both know that was the direction you were on before we all got started on this thing.
Basically, if he's found to be guilty, then OK, do what the laws of the land and the league deems appropriate. If he's not, walk on and say your sorry for dragging his good name in the mud.
I will however, remind you that nobody here has been proven right or wrong about anything. You've been heard and so have we.
You move on Nors. I don't take my marching orders from you. Never will.
You haven't proven anything. Dream on.
I have more than Proven the validity of Tocchet doc. Stop fighting it........
PM me E-mail address and I'll shoot out to anyone interested the doc.
Move on - that point - its over.:lmao2:
Gretzky has to fly out Sunday to Olympics - telling 48 hours for him and his wife.
I'll monitor Team Canada over the weekend for announcements.
ABQCOWBOY
02-10-2006, 04:12 PM
Gretzky has to fly out Sunday to Olympics - telling 48 hours for him and his wife.
I'll monitor Team Canada over the weekend for announcements.
OK, don't miss any meals or stay up to late doing any of this Nors. I'm certain that if by some rediculously extrodinary stoke of master piece dective work, something were to come to light, it would be all over the networks long before you ever posted it to this board.
FYI, Federal cases do not typically allow people under investigation to travel out of the country if they are suspected of wrong doing.
Got that one on Justice Files.
;)
ABQCOWBOY
02-10-2006, 04:21 PM
He needs to step down, known association with illegal gambling rings, mafia reflects poorly on the NHL and is a distraction/embarassment.
If nothing else - Wayne is practicing for the Summer Olympics. He's been practicing the "throw your wife under the bus" toss!
There is no link that suggest he is knowingly associating with gambling.
John Kennedy was the president of these United States. Robert Kennedy was the Attorney General. Ted Kennedy is a Senator for these United States. There father was Joseph Kennedy, known racketeer with proven ties to the Mob. Does this mean that John, Robert and Ted should all be removed?
You got nothing without proff and Nors my friend, you have absolutly no proof at this stage of the game.
EOS
Hostile
02-10-2006, 04:22 PM
I have more than Proven the validity of Tocchet doc. Stop fighting it........
PM me E-mail address and I'll shoot out to anyone interested the doc.
Move on - that point - its over.:lmao2:Sure you have.
The voices in your head say it, so you believe it.
Hostile
02-10-2006, 04:23 PM
OK, don't miss any meals or stay up to late doing any of this Nors. I'm certain that if by some rediculously extrodinary stoke of master piece dective work, something were to come to light, it would be all over the networks long before you ever posted it to this board.
FYI, Federal cases do not typically allow people under investigation to travel out of the country if they are suspected of wrong doing.
Got that one on Justice Files.
;)Good one.
:lmao2:
Sure you have.
The voices in your head say it, so you believe it.
E-mail address tough guy?
You are sooooo wrrrrroooonnnngggg
Hostile
02-10-2006, 04:59 PM
E-mail address tough guy?
You are sooooo wrrrrroooonnnngggg:laugh2:
hostile@cowboyszone.com
This oughta be good.
The Probe has widened and 2nd State Trooper suspended.....
Associated Press Writer Beth DeFalco in Glendale, Ariz., contributed to this report.
Meanwhile, an investigator revealed just how closely NHL commissioner Gary Bettman is monitoring the situation.
"He's plugged into what we're doing on a daily, even hourly basis," said Robert Cleary, the former Unabomber prosecutor hired by the NHL.
A second New Jersey state trooper was suspended in connection with the ring, and the state trooper charged this week with helping run the operation is now looking for a job, his lawyer said.
Authorities in New Jersey allege that Tocchet financed and helped run the ring, which took in a total of $1.7 million in wagers in the five weeks culminating in the Super Bowl.
New Jersey authorities on Tuesday announced charges against Tocchet, a New Jersey state trooper and a South Jersey man with running the gambling operation. All face charges of promoting gambling, money laundering and conspiracy and are scheduled to be arraigned Feb. 21. :eek: New Jersey versus Richard R Tocchet Case S-592970
Cleary was hired Wednesday to find out whether and to what extent NHL players were involved in the betting ring. Bettman also told Cleary to cooperate with law enforcement whenever warranted.
While Bettman expects a thorough investigation, Cleary would not say if or when he would interview Gretzky, Tocchet or Jones.
A person with knowledge of the investigation told the AP on Thursday that Gretzky was caught on state wiretaps talking with Tocchet about his wife's alleged involvement in the ring and ways she could avoid detection.
The person said the wiretaps were made within the past month. Earlier this week, Gretzky said he had no prior knowledge of the gambling accusations. He reiterated that Thursday night, but shed no light on the wiretap recordings.
Also Thursday, Phoenix general manager Michael Barnett -- Gretzky's former agent -- released a statement addressing reports that he bet on the Super Bowl through Tocchet and later met with investigators in New Jersey about the case.
"They informed me that my conduct has in no way violated either federal or state laws," he said.
The second trooper suspended was Sgt. Michael Kaiser. Authorities believe he knew of the gambling activity but did not report it, said a law enforcement official speaking on the condition of anonymity because suspensions are internal matters. Kaiser, a trooper for 21 years who earns a base salary of $90,785, was not charged with any crimes.
James Harney, the state trooper charged in the ring and suspended from the force, is now in the market for a job.
"He's got to support his children and himself," lawyer Craig Mitnick said.
There is a thing called aiding and abating.
If you have knowledge of a crime and do nothing, there are legal ramifications.
Aiding and abetting too - Probe just widened today as they nailed 2nd state cop on this...... Good call.
Canada hopes Gretzky scandal won't be distraction By Steve Keating
Fri Feb 10, 8:47 AM ET
TURIN (Reuters) - The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) was bracing for the arrival of the men's hockey team at the Turin Games as the gambling scandal swirling around Wayne Gretzky continued to escalate on Friday.
On the day of the opening ceremonies, Canadian Olympic officials said they hoped the controversy surrounding Gretzky's involvement in the gambling investigation would not distract from the efforts of athletes competing at the Winter Games.
A defiant Gretzky, who is head coach and part-owner of the NHL's Phoenix Coyotes and executive director of Team Canada, has denied ever wagering on professional sports.
Gretzky said he will travel with the team to Italy on Tuesday despite increasing calls from the media for him to step aside until he is cleared of any wrong-doing.
Gretzky's wife, actress Janet Jones, has been implicated as a heavy bettor with the ring.
"We are talking with Hockey Canada on a frequent basis to make sure we have all the facts and we can move forward together," said Chris Rudge, the CEO and secretary general of the COC.
"I really hope it doesn't divert attention from the good things the athletes will do.
"I don't think it will be a distraction for our team or the athletes.
"It's a distraction for Canadians because hockey is a religion in Canada.
"We stand 100 percent behind our team."
Reports of Gretzky's links to a multimillion-dollar gambling ring have rocked Canada with the shockwaves felt all the way to the Turin Olympics.
The NHL's all-time scoring leader and widely considered the sport's all-time greatest player, Gretzky enjoys iconic status in Canada where he is known as "The Great One."
The architect and inspirational leader behind team that ended a 50-year Olympic gold medal drought at the Salt Lake City Winter Games, Gretzky returned as executive director this year despite the recent death of his mother that forced the Hall of Famer to take a leave of absence from the Coyotes.
"Mr. Gretzky has contributed so much to the sport it would be a shame to see anyone contaminated without proof," said Rudge.
The New Jersey Star Ledger, citing law enforcement sources, reported Thursday that secretly recorded phone calls revealed Gretzky knew about the ring.
It said investigators were looking into whether he placed any wagers through Jones, who is alleged to have bet $500,000 on games during the six-week state probe dubbed "Operation Slap Shot."
The newspaper cited investigators as saying there was no evidence Gretzky directly bet through the ring.
Rick Tocchet, a Coyotes assistant under Gretzky, was charged this week by New Jersey authorities with financing the ring, which police allege took in more than $1.7 million in bets during the investigation.
http://www.boston.com/sports/nesn/wilbur/sports_blog/blog/2006/02/09/bets_are_down/
http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjczN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2MDYmZmdi ZWw3Zjd2cWVlRUV5eTY4NzcxOTMmeXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZU VFeXky
Managing partner?
*Coach he hired and confidant indicted on interstate gambling ring, racketeering, money laundering - not to mention well known ties to Bruno Scarfo family in Philly
*General Manager (former Gretzky AGENT) made bet through Tochet
*Former Phoenix players linked to gamblies
*His wife betting $500K during limited investigation period
He knew of this, and aided and abetted. He has not done what is best for the team and his co-owners (assuming they are not part of syndacite too)
This may swiftly pass you must step down to YOUR FIRED
Olympic Ice Hockey News
A Great, big messBy Dan Wetzel, Yahoo! Sports | February 10, 2006
Gretzky: 'I've done nothing wrong'
TURIN, Italy – They are coming fast now, wiretap leaks and anonymous district attorney office comments, faster and more furious than Wayne Gretzky circling the net.
They are coming in waves, allegations and rumors, capable of overwhelming hockey, here in the first fledgling season of its professional return, here on the eve of the Winter Games that was supposed to market the sport to the masses.
And in the middle is Gretzky, the way he has been for nearly three decades. The greatest and most famous player the sport has ever known – the part-owner, full-time coach of the Phoenix Coyotes, the executive director of gold-medal favorite Team Canada – finds himself the focus of a quickly expanding gambling/crime scandal.
Just a day after Gretzky claimed he wasn't involved in a scheme where his close friend and assistant coach, Rick Tocchet, was facing charges of promoting gambling, money laundering and conspiracy, and Gretzky's wife, actress Janet Jones, was said to have wagered $500,000, new questions arose.
Friday's Newark Star-Ledger, citing sources inside the local district attorney's office, said in a wiretap conversation Gretzky and Tocchet "discussed what authorities knew about the gambling operation, how they knew it and how they and Jones could stay out of trouble."
The Tocchet operation, authorities said, has ties to the Philadelphia-based Bruno-Scarfo organized crime family. :o: :o:
Of great concern for the already teetering NHL is that a fast-growing number of players are being implicated in placing bets with Tocchet, including, the newspaper reported, Jeremy Roenick and Travis Green.
What's next has consumed the Olympic Games here, as Gretzky is set to arrive Sunday to watch the Canadian team which he restored to the sports pinnacle in Salt Lake City go for consecutive gold medals.
His arrival will be a media circus, not just in Canada, where he is a near incomparable hero, but around the globe. It is the last thing hockey needs. :cool: It is the last thing the Olympics needs. It is the last thing anyone wants.
But the questions are as enormous as they are serious, and while Gretzky has not been charged with anything, he will be required to speak.
Where did his wife get half a mil to gamble? Residuals from "Police Academy 5"? How believable is it that a former Hollywood starlet-turned-suburban-homemaker is the high-stakes sports gambler and not her ultra-competitive husband? :eek:
How could Gretzky's wife and friend be caught and he not be involved?:eek: Just as Tocchet and Gretzky allegedly asked about the authorities, Gretzky will now be asked himself what he knew about the gambling operation, and how (and when) did he know it?
Without question, hockey wishes there was a simple answer. Gretzky has always carried himself as the classiest of stars – down to earth, simple, humble, heroic. It is almost impossible to find anyone with anything negative to say about Gretzky, anyone who hopes this is all but one big mistake, one big nightmare, one big false allegation.
There is nothing in his public persona that would make you think this could happen.
But it is happening. And it is happening at the worst possible hour.
As symbolic and headline-grabbing as the Gretzky name is, though, maybe Janet just got out of control and Wayne is, indeed, innocent.
But who knows how many players are involved? The names are being leaked by the day. Rumors are flying about the biggest names in the game. We're talking all-stars and MVPs.
There are stories of Philly mobsters sitting in Eric Lindros' Flyers comp seats. There is significant evidence of Russian players being linked to the Russian mafia, a charge the league never wanted to investigate and, realistically, never properly could.
While it is difficult to imagine hockey games were compromised due to the limited gambling interest in the sport in the United States, a few days ago it was difficult to imagine a gambling scandal swirling around Wayne and Janet, yet here it is.
Understand a couple of things about how bookmakers work.
It is almost impossible for an assistant hockey coach and a New Jersey state trooper (Tocchet's partner, authorities claim) to operate a large-scale, multi-state gambling book without being tied to some kind of organized crime. Often your corner bookie cannot stay in business as an independent, and he certainly isn't taking alleged $75,000 Super Bowl bets from Mrs. Wayne Gretzky. :banghead:
Organized crime families are in all sorts of, uh, businesses, and gambling is often used as a hook, a chance to control a powerful person through blackmail. If a crime family wants someone, it finds a way to get them under their thumb, whether it's gambling, drugs or extramarital affairs – whatever the vice, whatever it takes.
They know there is almost no financial gambling hole a professional athlete cannot pay his way out of, just as there is almost nothing one of them might do to avoid being publicly linked to the mob.
The FBI will tell you one of the great fallacies of game fixing is the concept that athletes – college or pro – do it for the money. They usually do it as a result of blackmail, the cost of career, reputation, marriage or NCAA eligibility.
Gretzky and Tocchet discussed how to "stay out of trouble." Heaven knows what the answer was.
But that is a question that needs to be asked in a controversy that is gaining speed, Gretzky-through-center-ice style, and showing no signs of slowing down.
Coming soon "Dirt Nap" starring Janet Gretzky Jones
Dan Wetzel is Yahoo! Sports' national columnist. Dan is the author of two new books.
"Glory Road", with Don Haskins, is about the legendary coach of 1966 NCAA champion Texas Western, whose decision to start five black players was instrumental in integrating college teams in the South. A Disney movie of the same name is now playing in theaters.
Also on sale now is "Runnin' Rebel: Shark Tales of 'Extra Benefits,' Frank Sinatra and Winning It All" with colorful former UNLV coach Jerry Tarkanian.
Send Dan a question or comment for potential use in a future column or webcast.
Updated on Friday, Feb 10, 2006 12:07 pm EST
The IRS could get involved.......there are legalities/charges that could be forthcoming if they don't cooperate with investigation. These are Jersey guys after them - they will put the screws to the great two (Gretzky/Jones)
Strictly speaking, it is not a crime to place a bet, according to John Hagerty, spokesman for the state Division of Criminal Justice. "The act of betting is not illegal. The act of accepting a bet and making money off of a bet is considered promoting gambling and that's a crime," he said. But soliciting friends to use your bookmaker, or placing bets for others with a bookmaker, could be prosecuted, he said.
Q: Are gambling earnings considered taxable income?
A: Yes.
Have uncovered the following:
*In the NHL inner circle Gretzky/Jones is a MAJOR gambler. This is no suprise that she is so deep into an organized crime gambling ring.
*Toccehts gambling roots go back a decade with Bruno Scarfi crime family in Philly.
* Stae of New Jersey vs. Tochet complaint lists 594 bets totalling $1,086,100. Here's names I'm hearing involved
Gretzky/Jones
Coyotes GM
Rechi
Roenick
Travis King
Donato
Jagr
Lindros
Mike Sullivan
One more big name actor (afleck???)
An Owner (probably Gretzky's partner???)
Gretzky to fly out to Turin. Expect scandal to expand in coming days. Team Canada under fire.
Hostile
02-11-2006, 02:50 PM
So Nors e-mailed me his "evidence" that looks "real bad" and that I am so "wrong" about.
It's a copy of the Summons issued for Rick Tocchet.
Right in the middle of the pages is an entire section about the actions of the court. It's all blank. The Summons was issued by a Court as all Summons are.
This is his "Court Documents" evidence.
Excuse me for a minute........:lmao2:
Okay, I'm back.
Until today I never realzied that a Summons was evidence of guilt.
Until today I never realized that NOT being named on a Summons (neither Gretzky nor his wife are mentioned on the Summons) is evidence of dire peril headed your way.
:lmao2:
I love satire.
[QUOTE=Hostile]So Nors e-mailed me his "evidence" that looks "real bad" and that I am so "wrong" about.
It's a copy of the Summons issued for Rick Tocchet.
Right in the middle of the pages is an entire section about the actions of the court. It's all blank. The Summons was issued by a Court as all Summons are.
This is his "Court Documents" evidence.
Excuse me for a minute........:lmao2:
Yes - said I had the doc's on Tocchett and did. You were piss wrong (again) BlaBlaBla I didn't have what I said I had! wrong
The charges were clearly issued/written. Of course Tocchet will have a day in court - never denied that.
The defendants will be arraigned 2-21-06
Stay focused!
Hope you enjoyed the crow:lmao: !
Hostile
02-11-2006, 09:10 PM
Yes - said I had the doc's on Tocchett and did. You were piss wrong (again) BlaBlaBla I didn't have what I said I had! wrong
The charges were clearly issued/written. Of course Tocchet will have a day in court - never denied that.
The defendants will be arraigned 2-21-06
Stay focused!
Hope you enjoyed the crow:lmao: !The quote function isn't that difficult.
Let's review something. I NEVER said that Rick Tocchet wasn't being charged.
So you served up no crow.
Nothing you showed me has Gretzky in any trouble like you were portraying.
If you want to know the truth, for all the bragging you did I expected better. This was pathetic.
What's even funnier is that you made out like you have this stuff by some special favor. So you had an inside scoop on this. No you don't. The same website that always gets hold of these arrest reports has this.
Big freaking deal. A lot of build up, no explosion. Barely a firecracker. More like a balloon popping.
Originally Posted by Nors
Wrong Hos
I'm looking at a document filed in the Superior Court in Burlington County New Jersey - Filed on 2-5-06 by Detective Coppola, Charge number N.J.S. - 2C:21-25A & C / 2C:2-6 Signed by Captain Jeffrey L Simpkinisi
TOCHETT AND HIS BUDDIES ARE TURNING THEMSELVES IN ON said CHARGES 2-21-06!!!!!
Jones/Gretzky betting fallout to follow!
Hos said:
First of all I don't believe you. History.
Second, there's been no trial yet, so there are no "court documents."
Tocchets court summons provided with detailed charges against defendants as I stated.
Up next - anticipate NHL next week to go into full damage control. Try and make this go away. Unfortunately there is no magical "delete" function to make all of this just go away.
Will be very interesting to see how hard NJ goes after Gretzky/Jones and if Feds are brought in. Look for this to flame up on Tuesday when they arrive at Olympics.
Canada is 5-2 to win Gold.
[QUOTE=Hostile]The quote function isn't that difficult.
Let's review something. I NEVER said that Rick Tocchet wasn't being charged.
So you served up no crow.
Nothing you showed me has Gretzky in any trouble like you were portraying.
If you want to know the truth, for all the bragging you did I expected better. This was pathetic.
Stay focused.
I provided what you said I didn't have. There are no "formal" charges against Gretzky/Jones and never alluded I would give that in Writing....duh..:p:
There is a lot at play here that could sink Gretzky. Game is on - $ and attorneys start dueling now.
You are a simpleton if you believe Gretzky is not aware of this gambling ring. How good he has shielded his knowledge/participation will be duly tested in coming Months.
Gretzky's dufos defense here is so pathetic its almost funny. Wanna bet Saturday Night does a skit on this!
I'll go 50 times say they do, let Miki be the Tocchet maker!
Hostile
02-11-2006, 09:29 PM
Stay focused.
I provided what you said I didn't have. There are no "formal" charges against Gretzky/Jones and never alluded I would give that in Writing....duh..:p:
There is a lot at play here that could sink Gretzky. Game is on - $ and attorneys start dueling now.
You are a simpleton if you believe Gretzky is not aware of this gambling ring. How good he has shielded his knowledge/participation will be duly tested in coming Months.
Gretzky's dufos defense here is so pathetic its almost funny. Wanna bet Saturday Night does a skit on this!
I'll go 50 times say they do, let Miki be the Tocchet maker!You really don't understand the quote function do you?
replace the { with [ in this example and you'll have it.
{quote=Nors}Spot on.{/quote}
The only difference from open to close is the / before the word.
An easy way to learn would be to look at a post you are quoting and see how the tags work.
Back to your claim. Whoop dee freaking doo. Quite possibly the most boring "proof" of anything I have ever seen. You acted like you had special information. Just a hunch, but you thought the rings in Cracker Jack were real didn't you?
It’s not just hoping that Tocchet’s mob name was “The Rick.” It could bust the lid off rumblings of gambling that have been simmering under the surface of the league for years. SI.com has an excellent rundown of what’s at stake here, and it’s not just Wayne Gretzky’s apparent confusion that his wife was allegedly making bets with his friend and assistant coach. The NHL is saying it’s disturbed but points out that no one was gambling on hockey. But, if you’ve watched “The Sopranos,” you know all about RICO statutes, and the doors that can be opened once an investigation starts. And it’s going to be extremely difficult to shut them.
The NHL is about to get itself rocked
StanleySpadowski
02-12-2006, 09:39 PM
I notice that someone can cut and paste every article that could remotely be considered possibly damaging to Gretzky but it all over the 'net now that Gretzky's recorded conversation with Tocchet occurred after the police talked to his wife.
www.msn.foxsports.com/olympics/story/5327582
Hostile
02-13-2006, 08:56 AM
I notice that someone can cut and paste every article that could remotely be considered possibly damaging to Gretzky but it all over the 'net now that Gretzky's recorded conversation with Tocchet occurred after the police talked to his wife.
www.msn.foxsports.com/olympics/story/5327582 (http://www.msn.foxsports.com/olympics/story/5327582)
But that would be honest. He's all but got the man convicted, sentenced, and his legend tarnished. Without ever being accused of a crime he thinks Gretzky should step down as Coach, resign his post on the Canadian Olympic Committee, and fade into the sunset with his head hung in shame.
You forget, he has access to the documents. Called in special favors. All that jazz.
Due Process, the Bill of Rights, the Constitution, all can be damned in deference to his opinions.
:lmao2: I love it.
I notice that someone can cut and paste every article that could remotely be considered possibly damaging to Gretzky but it all over the 'net now that Gretzky's recorded conversation with Tocchet occurred after the police talked to his wife.
www.msn.foxsports.com/olympics/story/5327582
Makes total sense. Gretky/Jones bet $75K on Super Bowl and $5K on coin flip. Ex agent and current Coyote GM bet on the Super Bowl.
Makes sense Gretzky had not called up Tocchet before that trying to get his name out of media. Or he(his)would be a total moron(s) to still be betting.
It does prove he was CLUELESS on the Gambling sting hovering over Tocchet and co. He got it when the Cops showed up to his door Monday morning! The day after Gretzky(Jones) called in the big bets.......to Tocchet.
Wayne now needs to prove he's CLUELESS 4-5 more times.
He will bring his Billion $ to the table to try and squelch This. Good luck great one!
Watch the madness tomorrow as he distracts the olympics....... Guys on Pedestals sometimes forget their real place in life.
Hostile
02-13-2006, 10:23 AM
Unreal.
Now you know why the Salem Witch Hunts happened.
ABQCOWBOY
02-13-2006, 11:34 AM
Nors, fall on your sword. You were so completely wrong in this, it is difficult to even see where the begining of the BS started. You were wrong. You should come clean and just own up. It is still possible that you could be onto something but at this point, you have no evidence at all to base any conclusions on.
Just own up.
Hostile
02-13-2006, 11:41 AM
Nors, fall on your sword. You were so completely wrong in this, it is difficult to even see where the begining of the BS started. You were wrong. You should come clean and just own up. It is still possible that you could be onto something but at this point, you have no evidence at all to base any conclusions on.
Just own up.Not a chance.
ABQCOWBOY
02-13-2006, 11:58 AM
Not a chance.
:laugh2:
WoodysGirl
02-13-2006, 01:34 PM
Apologies in order for Gretzky?
Unfortunately, it's kind of the way we do business. "We," being the media.
After a week of screaming headlines on the Wayne Gretzky "situation,” I noticed in Monday's newspapers around the country a much smaller story.
This was the story that said Gretzky appeared to be telling the truth (http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/13856892.htm) when he said he didn't know anything about his wife making large bets on NFL games, or his best friend and assistant coach in Phoenix, Rick Tocchet, being involved in financing a bookmaking ring.
Records of police wiretaps revealed Gretzky called Tocchet after he had been informed by New Jersey police about what was going on. Based on what the police told him, he was asking Tocchet if his wife's name could be kept out of the investigation.
No, this latest news is not as sexy as everything that was being reported last week.
So the story and the headlines were much, much smaller. I wonder if anyone will now apologize for calling out Gretzky as a liar?
But I'll say it again -- if someone in the Gretzky family was betting on NFL playoff games, who the heck should really care.
Posted by rgalloway on February 13, 2006 at 09:47 AM in NHL (http://blogs.dfw.com/wimpfree/nhl/index.html) | Permalink (http://blogs.dfw.com/wimpfree/2006/02/blog_this_5.html) | Comments (0) (http://blogs.dfw.com/wimpfree/2006/02/blog_this_5.html#comments) | TrackBack (0) (http://blogs.dfw.com/wimpfree/2006/02/blog_this_5.html#trackback)
I said Gretzky should step down to stop the Distraction of the mess he's in on.
His best friend and assistant coach is arrested on major felonies, racketeering, money laundering, interstate crimes and conspiracy, running an illegal gambling ring.
Tocchett has mob connections dating back to Philly
His wife bet $500K with Tocchet......
His ex agent/GM is betting in ring
Many NFL players are involved in this ring.
OK - Gretzky freakin was clueless on this? You would have to be dummer than a big ROCK to believe that. Guilt by association and involvement. Guy has embarassed his sport.
Can Gretzky/Jones bet on Olympic events in Europe? Thats the real question in camp Gretzky on flight over. Also, can you wager while flying in international airspace?
Thanks!:laugh1:
Hostile
02-13-2006, 01:55 PM
She's a witch, burn her, burn her.
http://www.mwscomp.com/movies/grail/jpgs/villager.jpg
ABQCOWBOY
02-13-2006, 02:46 PM
I said Gretzky should step down to stop the Distraction of the mess he's in on.
His best friend and assistant coach is arrested on major felonies, racketeering, money laundering, interstate crimes and conspiracy, running an illegal gambling ring.
Tocchett has mob connections dating back to Philly
His wife bet $500K with Tocchet......
His ex agent/GM is betting in ring
Many NFL players are involved in this ring.
OK - Gretzky freakin was clueless on this? You would have to be dummer than a big ROCK to believe that. Guilt by association and involvement. Guy has embarassed his sport.
Can Gretzky/Jones bet on Olympic events in Europe? Thats the real question in camp Gretzky on flight over. Also, can you wager while flying in international airspace?
Thanks!:laugh1:
Good Lord, talk about losing gracelessly.
It's not that your post are unitelligent or that you don't have some very good things to say on many, many different subjects. It's this Nors. I actually open your posts to see what you write because I find it interesting on occasion. I just don't understand why it's so hard to back up and say, "yeah, ok, maybe he's not worthy of leathal injection."
ABQCOWBOY
02-13-2006, 02:47 PM
Apologies in order for Gretzky?
Unfortunately, it's kind of the way we do business. "We," being the media.
After a week of screaming headlines on the Wayne Gretzky "situation,” I noticed in Monday's newspapers around the country a much smaller story.
This was the story that said Gretzky appeared to be telling the truth (http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/13856892.htm) when he said he didn't know anything about his wife making large bets on NFL games, or his best friend and assistant coach in Phoenix, Rick Tocchet, being involved in financing a bookmaking ring.
Records of police wiretaps revealed Gretzky called Tocchet after he had been informed by New Jersey police about what was going on. Based on what the police told him, he was asking Tocchet if his wife's name could be kept out of the investigation.
No, this latest news is not as sexy as everything that was being reported last week.
So the story and the headlines were much, much smaller. I wonder if anyone will now apologize for calling out Gretzky as a liar?
But I'll say it again -- if someone in the Gretzky family was betting on NFL playoff games, who the heck should really care.
Posted by rgalloway on February 13, 2006 at 09:47 AM in NHL (http://blogs.dfw.com/wimpfree/nhl/index.html) | Permalink (http://blogs.dfw.com/wimpfree/2006/02/blog_this_5.html) | Comments (0) (http://blogs.dfw.com/wimpfree/2006/02/blog_this_5.html#comments) | TrackBack (0) (http://blogs.dfw.com/wimpfree/2006/02/blog_this_5.html#trackback)
Nice post Woody.
Kings' Roenick linked to gambling ring
Gambling ring busted by police
By Rich Hammond, Staff Writer
Kings player Jeremy Roenick is among a dozen people with NHL ties whose names are part of an investigation into a nationwide gambling ring linked to organized crime.
On Tuesday, sources said Roenick, 36 and likely a future Hall of Famer, is not a focal point of the investigation, which also reportedly includes Janet Jones, wife of NHL icon Wayne Gretzky. Roenick has a history of sports betting and is a friend and former teammate of Rick Tocchet, the Phoenix Coyotes assistant coach alleged by authorities to be the financier of the gambling ring.
Bets were placed on various professional and college sports, but probably not NHL games, authorities said. Tocchet is alleged to have taken bets from NHL figures, among them Jones and Roenick, and funneled the money back to New Jersey in an operation that reportedly had ties to organized crime.
An eight-month undercover investigation by New Jersey authorities - dubbed "Operation Slap Shot" - uncovered a ring that had taken more than 1,000 wagers for more than $1.7 million, authorities said.
Gretzky, owner and coach of the Coyotes, laughed when reporters asked about his wife's involvement.
"Oh really? I don't know. You'd have to ask her that," Gretzky said.
A Kings team spokesman said Roenick, who did not respond to a message, would have no comment on the investigation Tuesday. Roenick played in the Kings' road game against the Minnesota Wild.
This would not be Roenick's first gambling controversy. In Aug. 2004, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Roenick had paid more than $100,000 to a company that sold gambling tips.
Authorities found no wrongdoing on Roenick's behalf at the time. In an interview with the Inquirer, Roenick admitted to a longtime hobby of betting on non-hockey events but said he had stopped earlier that year.
"I enjoyed it, but I don't think I had a problem," Roenick said then. "I shut it off cold turkey. ... People should just understand that gambling is dangerous, and you can get hurt from it. I learned the hard way."
Roenick and Tocchet have clear ties. They were teammates twice, for three seasons in Phoenix (1997-2000) and one in Philadelphia (2001-02). In a recent chat on NHL.com, Roenick said he would "wait until Rick Tocchet gets a coaching job and maybe go work for him and
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be his assistant coach."
Tocchet, 41, also spent two of his 18 NHL seasons with the Kings and was a teammate of Gretzky, now Tocchet's boss as head coach and owner of the Coyotes. Tocchet traveled to New Jersey and today is expected to answer charges of promoting gambling, money laundering and conspiracy.
"It's not a hockey-related issue, it's a football thing," Tocchet told The Arizona Republic. "And at this time I can't comment any further."
The investigation already has resulted in two arrests, including New Jersey state police trooper James Harney, who is alleged to be Tocchet's partner in the operation, with Tocchet providing the funds.
Another man alleged to have taken bets, James Ulmer, 40, was arrested and charged with promoting gambling, money laundering and conspiracy.
Lt. Col. Frank Rodgers, deputy superintendent of investigations for the New Jersey State Police, told Canadian network TSN that "12 NHL players or people closely associated with NHL clubs," including an NHL team owner and a member of a coaching staff, placed bets with the ring.
Another member of the state police, superintendent Rick Fuentes, told the Associated Press that no bets were placed on NHL games, but Rodgers would not confirm that to TSN.
"There are many more stones that have to be turned over before we can say that," Rodgers said.
In a statement, NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said: "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."
StanleySpadowski
02-13-2006, 10:08 PM
She's a witch, burn her, burn her.
http://www.mwscomp.com/movies/grail/jpgs/villager.jpg
:lmao2:
We need to see if it weighs the same as a duck.
Hostile
02-13-2006, 10:26 PM
:lmao2:
We need to see if it weighs the same as a duck.
http://bau2.uibk.ac.at/sg/python/Scripts/HolyGrail/jpgs/05-scale.jpg
:lmao2:
We need to see if it weighs the same as a duck.
Gretzky might want to know why his wife is betting $500K a month and "not telling him"
Gretzky might ask Tocchet why he was taking those bets and "not telling him":rolleyes:
What else were those two silly kids doing behind his back!
Gretzky might ask his ex agent and Current GM how he knew Tocchet took bets. Geez - he was caught betting too?
Gretzky might ask the assistant coach who went on ESPN and said it was common knowledge Tocchet was into gambling.
Gretzky might wonder why all the Flyers and Coyote's are getting subpoena's just like the one his wife got? Whats up with that?
There aint no witch hunt here, its Gretzky time to throw all under bus and smile nervously alot! This is all real.
Hostile
02-13-2006, 11:15 PM
Gretzky might want to know why his wife is betting $500K a month and "not telling him"
Gretzky might ask Tocchet why he was taking those bets and "not telling him":rolleyes:
What else were those two silly kids doing behind his back!
Gretzky might ask his ex agent and Current GM how he knew Tocchet took bets. Geez - he was caught betting too?
Gretzky might ask the assistant coach who went on ESPN and said it was common knowledge Tocchet was into gambling.
Gretzky might wonder why all the Flyers and Coyote's are getting subpoena's just like the one his wife got? Whats up with that?
There aint no witch hunt here, its Gretzky time to throw all under bus and smile nervously alot! This is all real.Dude, if I accused your wife of adultery with no evidence you'd freak out.
This really is not cool.
ABQCOWBOY
02-14-2006, 11:20 AM
Gretzky might want to know why his wife is betting $500K a month and "not telling him"
Gretzky might ask Tocchet why he was taking those bets and "not telling him":rolleyes:
What else were those two silly kids doing behind his back!
Gretzky might ask his ex agent and Current GM how he knew Tocchet took bets. Geez - he was caught betting too?
Gretzky might ask the assistant coach who went on ESPN and said it was common knowledge Tocchet was into gambling.
Gretzky might wonder why all the Flyers and Coyote's are getting subpoena's just like the one his wife got? Whats up with that?
There aint no witch hunt here, its Gretzky time to throw all under bus and smile nervously alot! This is all real.
Norish at it's finest. I can't hardly wait to see what's next. Maybe you can drag is kids into it and infer that they look an awful lot like Roenick.
Your my hero dude.
ABQCOWBOY
02-16-2006, 10:38 AM
Came back to this thread to see if anything had posted in light of the comments made by authoritiesd regarding Gretzky and Jones.
Nothing posted. A bit surprising in view of the witch hunt you sponsored Nors.
There are probably 20 articles posted on this thread, by you, elluding to the fact that Gretzky was guilty of wrong doing. Interesting that you've not posted one single article stating that neither he nor his wife have been found to be guilty of any wrong doing.
Here, I'll post something for you.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=2332084
Updated: Feb. 16, 2006, 2:56 AM ET
Jones Gretzky, others could be called as witnessesBy Mike Fish
ESPN.com
A spokesman for the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice told ESPN.com on Wednesday that it is unlikely that additional people will be charged in connection to a gambling ring allegedly financed by Phoenix Coyotes assistant Rick Tocchet and a New Jersey state trooper.
John Hagerty said Janet Jones Gretzky, who allegedly wagered through the ring, and others could be called as witnesses in the case but indicated that Jones Gretzky would not be charged because she has not done anything illegal.
"All the names that everybody is focusing [on] that have never been officially confirmed [by law enforcement], these people are not charged," said Hagerty. "They have not committed a crime in this state. They are fact witnesses."
Tocchet and two others summoned in the gambling ring -- New Jersey State Trooper James Harney and James Ulmer -- are scheduled for a first appearance and arraignment Tuesday in Mount Holly, N.J., before Burlington County Superior Court Judge Thomas Smith.
Jones Gretzky is currently in Torino, Italy, where her husband, Coyotes coach Wayne Gretzky, is overseeing the Canadian Olympic hockey team.
Asked if Jones Gretzky or the others might ever be charged, Hagerty said, "It is highly unlikely. Again, they are witnesses." As such, they could be called to testify at trial, Hagerty said.
Robert Cleary, who is heading the NHL's internal investigation of the matter, declined to comment. A spokesperson said he wouldn't discuss the case until completing his investigation.
Representatives for law enforcement and the defense faced off Wednesday over how organized crime may or may not have been involved with the gambling ring.
A law enforcement official told ESPN.com that Harney, accused of being a partner in the ring with Tocchet, was involved with the Bruno-Scarfo crime family, operating in Philadelphia and southern New Jersey.
"There was obviously contact between Harney and individuals who were known members of that crime family," said Capt. Al Della Fave, a spokesman for the New Jersey State Police.
The interaction was observed during an undercover operation, but Della Fave said it hasn't been determined what if any role crime family members may have played in the alleged bookmaking scheme. Asked if Tocchet or Ulmer, also charged in the bookmaking ring, had had contact with organized crime, Della Fave said, "Again, that is to be seen. That will all be part of the continuing investigation."
Tocchet's attorney, Kevin Marino, told ESPN.com: "It is untrue that Rick Tocchet ever had any involvement with organized crime, period. ... There are a lot of things being bandied about. The allegation that Rick Tocchet ever had ties to organized crime is false."
Craig Mitnick, the attorney for Harney, is on vacation and didn't return telephone messages.
"This is not some organized crime connection like I have read, which is the most ridiculous, laughable, nauseating statement that could come out of a prosecutor's office," said Charles A. Peruto Jr., who represents Ulmer. "Because there is no -- and I mean no -- tie, remotely or otherwise, with these accused individuals and organized crime. And to say that is irresponsible. And it's one where they are going to end up with egg on their face."
Sad Nors..........
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