Rick Tocchet Pleads Guilty In Gambling Scandal
Posted May 25, 2007 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
He admits he did it – but he insists he never wagered a dime on the game he played. Former NHL player and Coyotes assistant coach Rick Tocchet has pleaded guilty to running an illegal gambling ring. The 43-year-old confessed in a New Jersey court to the charges against him, which included conspiracy to promote gambling and promoting gambling. But it’s not likely the ex- Flyer, Bruin, King, Capital and Coyote will spend any time in the penalty box. First time offenders are usually not given jail time.
Tocchet was the third man to plead guilty to the charges. Two others – including a New Jersey state trooper – are likely to get at least some time behind bars for their part in the scheme. Prosecutors allege the ring took more than US$1.7-million in wagers over a 40-day stretch in late 2005. The games included college football and the Super Bowl but Tocchet was adamant no hockey games were ever included.
“Operation Slapshot” became famous not only because of the former hockey star’s presence and the involvement of a police officer, but because Wayne Gretzky’s wife Janet also came under suspicion at one point. She denied having anything to do with the ring and was never charged.
Tocchet was suspended from his position with the Coyotes and it’s not clear if he’ll be able to resume his duties if he doesn’t receive any jail time.
