EWING, N.J. -- Rick Tocchet, Wayne Gretzky's close friend and top assistant coach, headed to New York to face NHL commissioner Gary Bettman after he was implicated as the financier of a nationwide sports betting ring.
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In an investigation they called "Operation Slap Shot," New Jersey authorities said several NHL players -- and Gretzky's wife -- were among those placing bets, although not on hockey.
Gretzky, revered as hockey's greatest player and now in his first season as Phoenix Coyotes coach, said he was unaware of any gambling accusations until Tocchet called him Monday night.
"The sad thing about this whole scenario is that Rick is a wonderful person and a great guy, so I hope everything works out in his favor," Gretzky said after his team's 3-1 loss to Chicago on Tuesday night. "It's hard because I love the guy. He's a great guy, you know. I just hope it all works out for him."
He said his wife, actress Janet Jones, would at some point discuss the allegations against her.
"First of all, my wife is my best friend," Gretzky said. "My love for her is deeper than anything. The reality is, I'm not involved, I wasn't involved and I'm not going to be involved. Am I concerned for both of them? Sure there's concern from me. I'm more worried about them than me. ... I'm trying to figure it all out."
Two law enforcement officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because no bettors have been publicly identified, told the Associated Press that Gretzky's wife was among those implicated. Gretzky said his wife was in California and they talked, but she did not speak about her involvement.
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| Rick Tocchet acted as Coyotes head coach when Wayne Gretzky was on leave. (AP) |
When asked if she had placed bets for him, Gretzky said "absolutely not." Except for trips to Las Vegas, Gretzky said he does not gamble.
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 talents 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 charging, or face arrest.
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