No jail for Tocchet

[Mel]

For some reason, I was under the impression that Rick Tocchet was looking at some pretty serious time in federal prison for his gambling ring. As it turns out, he probably will not see the inside of a prison at all.

Tocchet avoids jail, gets two years probation

MOUNT HOLLY, N.J. -- A former NHL player and assistant coach who ran an illegal sports gambling ring won't serve jail time despite international headlines linking the case to hockey's biggest star.

Rick Tocchet was ordered Friday to serve two years' probation for his role in the gambling ring.

Tocchet, 43, could have received up to five years in state prison. However, there is a presumption against incarceration for first-time offenders who plead guilty to third- or fourth-degree crimes.

That means the retired Philadelphia Flyer is unlikely to serve any time for his crimes, said Mark Eliades, the deputy attorney general who prosecuted the case.

Under terms of Tocchet's plea deal, the state made no sentencing recommendation, leaving it to the discretion of the court.

Afterward, Tocchet's lawyer, Kevin Marino, said his client long ago acknowledged having made a mistake by becoming involved in illegal gambling. Marino pointed out that the more sensational allegations in the case -- including rumors of mob ties and game fixing -- never materialized.

"Mr. Tocchet never placed a bet on professional hockey. Mr. Tocchet never took a bet on professional hockey," Marino said. "He in no way compromised the integrity of the game of hockey or the National Hockey League."

Before being sentenced on Friday, Tocchet told the judge, "I'm sorry to the court, my family and friends I was involved in this."

An assistant coach with the Phoenix Coyotes under legendary Wayne Gretzky, Tocchet partnered with a New Jersey state trooper and another man in a sports betting venture they ran for five years. He has been on indefinite leave from his job since being charged, but Marino said Tocchet hopes to return to the sport now that the case has been resolved.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman hired lawyer Robert Cleary to conduct an internal investigation. A former federal prosecutor, Cleary is best known for prosecuting Unabomber Theodore Kaczynski.

"In light of today's events, Mr. Cleary is now in a position to conclude his independent investigation," NHL spokesman Gary Meagher said in a statement on Friday. "Once the commissioner receives Mr. Cleary's report, it is probable that he will want to meet with Mr. Tocchet before making a determination."

He would not answer any questions, including whether Tocchet has a future in professional hockey.


http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=2978637

[Kiddo]

he should be in jail since he was doing an illegal opertion and he was in with mafia types.

if he was not a famout person - he WOULD be in jail alredy.

:rolleyes:

[Iced Tea]

I heard Janet Gretzky won $50,000 on the no jail time verdict but lost $75,000 on the two years probation, she went with the lower 12 to 18 months pick. Wayne had to spot her the 25 large to cover her debt. :laughing:

Good to see the NHL not being silly like the NFL and taking incidents like Tocchet's and others seriously. :rolleyes: What would the NHL do if suddenly Bettman did the right/smart thing, grew a pair, pulled a Goodell and laid out some proper punishment to the league's morons. We'd all freak out and search for the flying pigs and I'd be getting some play with the ladies. :pimp:

[KB in Kelowna]

I heard Janet Gretzky won $50,000 on the no jail time verdict but lost $75,000 on the two years probation, she went with the lower 12 to 18 months pick. Wayne had to spot her the 25 large to cover her debt. :laughing:

Good to see the NHL not being silly like the NFL and taking incidents like Tocchet's and others seriously. :rolleyes: What would the NHL do if suddenly Bettman did the right/smart thing, grew a pair, pulled a Goodell and laid out some proper punishment to the league's morons. We'd all freak out and search for the flying pigs and I'd be getting some play with the ladies. :pimp:
Back when Dale Hunter leveled Pierre Turgeon during the playoffs, just after Bettman took over, Bettman gave Hunter 21 games. The powers that be, aka "The Old Boys" club of owners and gm's had a fit, told Bettman he was not a hockey guy did not understand the game and how dare he,they told him to stick to making them money and breaking the NHLPA, and they would police themselves. Now we see the results. Roger Godell has very little baggage with the owners and powers that be in the NFL, he also has the power to act in the best interest of the game and cab thus suspend a Pacman Jones before he goes to court, or fine Bill Belichek (sic) to the fullest extent. But you are correct Tea, Pigs will fly before the NHL board Of Govenors gives Bettman or his successor that kind of power.