Hockey Coach and Wayne Gretzky's Wife Embroiled in Illegal Gambling Ring

Filed in archive Betting on February 7, 2006

As if hockey hasn't been dragged through enough in the last couple of years, with a year long lockout and now a gambling bust that includes Assistant Coach of the Phoenix Coyotes, Rick Tocchet and hockey great, Wayne Gretzky's actress wife, Janet Jones.

Jones allegedly placed bets with Tocchet - although none of the gambling included hockey - in a New-Jersey betting ring in which over 1000 process bets were discovered to the tune of $1.7 million - largely college and professional football and basketball.

Toucchet was served with the complaint on Monday although an official charge can only be made in Jersey.

Wayne Gretzky, on being told of his wife's alleged involvement simply laughed it off, claiming everyone is innocent before being proved guilty. Gretzky and Toucchet are good friends.

Tocchet acknowledged that a New Jersey state trooper arrested in connection with the gambling ring case is his friend. Tocchet said he would cooperate with the investigation but didn't answer when asked if he'd surrender to authorities.

``We understand that Mr. Tocchet's conduct in no way involved betting on hockey,'' NHL deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said. ``And, while betting on football or other sports may be the pervasive issue, it in no way justifies poor judgment or otherwise alleged inappropriate conduct.''

Authorities said Tocchet and state police Trooper James Harney were partners in the operation, with the ex-NHL forward providing the financing.

``Tocchet received illegal sports bets from wagers and funneled money back to New Jersey,''

Article: Gretzky's Wife Cited in Gambling Ring