National Hockey League icon and Canadian Olympic hockey executive director Wayne Gretzky was caught by wiretaps discussing an illegal gambling ring, the Newark Star-Ledger reported on Thursday.
According to the newspaper, law enforcement sources said the Hall of Famer spoke about the ring that his Phoenix Coyotes assistant coach Rick Tocchet allegedly helped run, and investigators are looking into whether he placed any wagers through his wife, Janet Jones.
During Phoenix’s home game against the Dallas Stars on Thursday night, Jones released a statement proclaiming Gretzky’s innocence in the growing scandal.
”At no time did I ever place a wager on my husband’s behalf,” she said. ”Other than the occasional horse race, my husband does not bet on any sports.”
Gretzky, the NHL’s all-time scoring leader and the Coyotes’ head coach, denied any knowledge of the ring on Tuesday, when Tocchet was charged with promoting gambling, money laundering and conspiracy.
According to the newspaper, Jones wagered $500 000 on sporting events during the past six weeks, including $75 000 on last week’s Super Bowl.
Authorities are considering whether to issue a subpoena ordering Gretzky to testify before a state grand jury, sources told the paper.
Jones’ spokesperson Eliot Mintz said she will provide her full cooperation in the matter.
”Janet may be called as a witness before a grand jury in the New Jersey investigation of an alleged gambling ring,” he said in a statement. ”Janet is merely one of a number of witnesses and there is no allegation whatsoever that Janet has violated any law.
”Janet will continue to cooperate fully with the New Jersey authorities.”
”The reality is, I’m not involved, I wasn’t involved and I’m not going to be involved,” Gretzky said on Tuesday night. ”Am I concerned for both of them [Tocchet and Jones]? Sure there’s concern for me. I’m more worried about them than me.”
Tocchet, who is scheduled to be arraigned on February 21, has denied the charges in a statement issued through his lawyer.
The New Jersey state police’s organised crime bureau began an investigation in October called ”Operation Slap Shot,” which uncovered information that Trooper James Harney, an eight-year veteran, was a partner in a bookmaking ring that in a 40-day period processed more than 1 000 wagers exceeding $1,7-million on professional and collegiate sporting events.
Tocchet was identified as Harney’s alleged partner and financier.
On Wednesday, he met with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and received a leave of absence from the Coyotes. – AFP
