Wayne Gretzky in cahoots with Tony Soprano?

Simon

Founder/Admin

Could The Great One follow down the path of Pete Rose and Michael Jordan?

Does anyone else think its weird that 3 of the best players of all time in their sports are going down for gambling issues? Weird......



Gretzky's Wife Cited in Gambling Ring

GLENDALE, Ariz. Feb 8, 2006 (AP)� Wayne Gretzky's wife and about a half-dozen NHL players placed bets but not on hockey with a nationwide sports gambling ring financed by Phoenix Coyotes assistant coach Rick Tocchet, authorities said Tuesday.
At the request of NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, Tocchet did not attend the Coyotes' game against the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday night. In a statement, the Coyotes said Tocchet "was flying back East this evening to address the allegations in a meeting with Bettman."
Gretzky, hockey's greatest player, is in his first season coaching the Coyotes and is a part-owner of the team.
Actress-wife Janet Jones was among those implicated, two law enforcement officials told The Associated Press, speaking on condition of anonymity because no bettors have been publicly identified.
Asked about her involvement, Gretzky laughed and said, "Oh really? I don't know. You'd have to ask her that."
State police Col. Rick Fuentes said an investigation into the New Jersey-based ring discovered the processing of more than 1,000 wagers, exceeding $1.7 million, on professional and college sports, mostly football and basketball.
The developments came at a sensitive time for the NHL, which is trying to win back fans after a season-long lockout and just days before many of its best players will showcase their talent at the Turin Olympics.
Tocchet was served with a criminal complaint Monday and was expected to travel to New Jersey to answer charges of promoting gambling, money laundering and conspiracy, Fuentes said.
A criminal complaint informs Tocchet of authorities' intention to formally charge him and the need for him to arrange to travel to New Jersey for formal charging, or face arrest.
"It's not a hockey-related issue, it's a football thing. And at this time I can't comment any further," Tocchet said after the Coyotes practiced earlier Tuesday.
Gretzky had said Tocchet would be on the bench for Tuesday night's home game against Chicago, and it would be "business as usual." But Bettman changed that plan, summoning Tocchet to a meeting in New York City.

Gummo Marx

It was Gretzky's wife, and assistant coach that were involved, not Wayne.

Simon

Founder/Admin

This just in.......

You are naive.

Gummo Marx

This just in.....

He knew of it, he wasn't involved.

Simon

Founder/Admin

He knew of it, which makes him involved.

Erin

Monk's First Lady

So what? He was betting money on hockey games. Maybe the Canadian government will be able to protect him from the American government somehow.

Mr. WikipediaSpamBot

Actually, it was his wife that was betting on games. From what i've heard she didn't actually bet on hockey games.

Freak

How is that "involvement"? He had no hand in it and he wasn't placing bets; would you expect him to just rat out his assistant like that?

And if all Janet Jones did is place bets, she probably can't be punished at all either.

Simon

Founder/Admin

Freak, so are you saying he is entirely null and void of any responsibility just because he personally wasnt betting?

His own wife was dropping half million dollar bets. Last time I checked a marriage was a partnership. Especially when you are one of the most recognized athletes of all time. Perhaps he should have asked her to I dont know........maybe restrain herself from betting a half million bucks at a wack.

That doesnt seem a bit off to you?

Last time I checked, when your best friend has ties to the Philly Mafia and your wife is running for people, chances are is that makes you VERY involved.


Lets play analogy.......

You kill your friend bobby. You tell Johnny that you killed Bobby. Bobby is now an accesory whether he likes it or not. He know has a responsibilty as a citizen to report the crime to proper authorites.


I am not saying he is wrong for protecting his wife and friend, but for the love of god dont pretend like he is as innocent as old Saint Nick himfelf.


Sounds to me like Canadians trying to protect Canadians.

Freak

First off, Bobby's dead. Second off, I get what you're trying to say. Third, your analogy is wacker than Ida's bald-man buzzcut.

What I was trying to say is that, until it's revealed he had a hand in organizing the operation, there's nothing to punish him for. I know a guy who deals pot... so? I know my girlfriend buys from him... so? Multiply that analogy a hundred times and I still can't be convicted for anything.

At this point, the worst Gretzky faces is a waste of his time, in court, testifying.

And if you saw the news yesterday, that wiretap conversation became pretty much irrelevant (this just in: you're naive?).