Wayne Gretzky's wife Janet Jones dragged into $1.7M mob-linked gambling scandal
In early 2006, the National Hockey League found itself blindsided by a scandal that threatened its already fragile public image post-lockout. The controversy wasn't over hits or contracts—but rather, high-stakes gambling, and it dragged "The Great One" Wayne Gretzky's family into the media storm.
Janet Jones
linked to massive 2006
sports betting ring
in '
Operation Slap Shot
'
A
t the heart of the investigation, dubbed 'Operation Slap Shot,' was Janet Jones—Gretzky's wife, a former actress turned hockey royalty. Authorities alleged that Jones was one of several individuals involved in an illegal nationwide sports betting ring that was organized in part by New Jersey state trooper James Harney and former NHL player Rick Tocchet—Gretzky's top assistant coach with the Phoenix Coyotes.
The accusations rocked the NHL just as it tried to rebuild fan trust after a season-long lockout. More than 1,000 bets totaling over $1.7 million were reportedly placed on professional and college football and basketball—not hockey, a distinction league officials were quick to stress.
Gretzky publicly defended his wife and denied any involvement. 'First of all, my wife is my best friend,' he told reporters. 'My love for her is deeper than anything.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Gentle Japanese hair growth method for men and women's scalp
Hair's Rich
Learn More
Undo
The reality is, I'm not involved, I wasn't involved and I'm not going to be involved.' He further denied that Jones had ever placed bets on his behalf.
The case painted an uncomfortable picture. Police claimed Tocchet and Harney operated the ring, with Tocchet allegedly financing it and funneling illegal bets back to New Jersey. Tocchet, well-respected in NHL circles, was summoned to meet with league commissioner Gary Bettman and later faced charges of conspiracy, money laundering, and promoting gambling.
Despite the magnitude of the investigation, both Harney and fellow accused James Ulmer were released after posting bail, while authorities seized $27,000 in cash and multiple bank accounts linked to the operation. Law enforcement also hinted at connections to organized crime in Philadelphia and southern New Jersey.
Also Read:
Wayne Gretzky's daughter Paulina Gretzky's Marbella photos wow fans as she shares sneak peek of new song
While Gretzky and Jones attempted to steer clear of the legal blowback, the controversy left a permanent stain on that NHL season. It remains one of the most sensational off-ice scandals in league history—and a moment when even the Great One couldn't avoid the glare of the spotlight.
For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the
India vs England Test match
here.
Catch Manika Batra's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 3. Watch Here!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
17 minutes ago
- Time of India
3 dead as UP roadways bus on wrong side crushes autorickshaw
Bulandshahr: Two women and a four-year-old girl were crushed to death after a speeding UP roadways bus on the wrong side hit an auto-rickshaw on NH-334 in Bulandshahr on Sunday. A man was critically injured. Police said the incident took place around 1:30 pm near Jainpur on NH-334 -- connecting Bulandshahr with Haridwar. "The UP roadways bus was en route to Sitapur. It was on the wrong side of the highway at the time of the incident. The bus driver managed to flee, and the vehicle was seized," circle officer Bhaskar Mishra said. "The place where the accident took place comes under Gulaothi police limits. Soon after the distress call, police rushed to the site. An FIR under BNS sections of rash driving and causing death due to negligence was registered against the bus driver on the complaint from the victim's family. Appropriate actions will be taken," Mishra said. Sarfaraz Ali, a local, said Aasiya (55), her son Nazim (32) and granddaughter Nehmat (4) were on their way home after seeing her ailing relative. "The bus hit the auto-rickshaw, killing Aasiya, Nehmat and another passenger Raziya (38). by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Nazim was left injured. All were from Gulaothi, and were returning from Bulandshahr," Ali said, claiming, "an ambulance reached nearly an hour later". On July 2, around 10 pm, five of a family, including four children, aged between five and eight, died after a truck moving on the wrong side of the same NH-334 stretch rammed into their motorcycle in Hapur's Hafizpur area. All five died in hospital. Police said the heavy vehicle was trying to evade a toll plaza and hit the two-wheeler.
Time of India
33 minutes ago
- Time of India
Liverpool and Preston pay tribute to Diogo Jota before pre-season clash
As Liverpool geared up to kick off their pre-season friendly against Preston North End FC on Sunday, July 13, 2025, the players, staff, and supporters of the two teams paid tribute to Diogo Jota during their pre-season friendly. He died in a car crash in Spain on July 3, 2025. Liverpool were kicking off their pre-season friendlies with a game at Preston on Sunday, July 13, 2025, 10 days after Jota, 28, and his brother Andre Silva, 25, lost their lives in a car crash in Spain on July 3. Preston captain Ben Whiteman laid a wreath in front of Liverpool's travelling fans before a rendition of "You'll Never Walk Alone" was sung ahead of kickoff. According to ESPN, the teams took to the pitch wearing black armbands before a poignant minute's silence was held in the brothers' memory. Preston also produced a special matchday program in recognition of the significance of the fixture. Meanwhile, ahead of the friendly match, Liverpool boss Arne Slot also paid a heartfelt tribute to Jota, saying that it had been difficult for the team to get back to work after the death of Jota, and so he had suggested to his players that perhaps the best way forward was to follow their late teammate's shining example. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like These Photos Captured the Exact Wrong Moment Read More Undo "What I've said to the players is, it's very difficult to find the right words because we constantly debate what is appropriate," Slot was quoted by news agency Reuters as saying in an interview with Liverpool's in-house media. "What is appropriate in our actions? What is appropriate (for) what we have to say? Can we train again? Can we laugh again? Can we be angry if there's a wrong decision?' he added. "And I've said to them, maybe the best thing for us to do is handle this situation like Jota did," Slot further stated. "And what I meant with that is that Jota was always himself; it didn't matter if he was talking to me, to his teammates, or the staff, he was always himself. So let us try to be ourselves as well. So, if we want to laugh, we laugh; if we want to cry, we're going to cry," he continued. Live Events Liverpool announced on Friday, July 11, 2025, that they would permanently retire Jota's number 20. The club delayed the return of players to pre-season training, as most of them took part in the funeral in Portugal. Slot said Jota, 28, who played a key role in Liverpool winning the Premier League title this past season, was one player he could always count on in difficult moments. "I always looked at him and said, 'Now we need something special from you,'" Slot said. "And he delivered so many times. I can come up with all of these moments. "So we are in a very difficult time, so let's try to do what Diogo did so many times. If it's so difficult, then try a little bit harder or just keep on going and try to make it work." Slot, who said the team would always carry Jota in their hearts, said it was a challenge to see anything, including football, as "important if we think of what has happened." "But we are a football club, and we need to train, and we need to play again, whether we want it or not."
Time of India
42 minutes ago
- Time of India
We need more para meets: Simran
Bengaluru: For para-athlete Simran Sharma , the podium is more than just a place of celebration — it's a symbol of resilience, sacrifice and untapped potential. Born prematurely with visual impairment, the athlete from Ghaziabad, battled systemic challenges, limited opportunities and social stigma to script a story of unwavering determination. While she cherishes the pride of representing her country on the international stage, her voice carries a deeper appeal — for more domestic para-athletics meets. It was just another day at office on Saturday as Simran clinched gold in the women's 200m run (T12) with a timing of 24.8s at the 7th Indian Open Para Athletics International Championship at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium. But the Paris paralympic bronze-medallist rued missing out on breaking the Asian record. Speaking to TOI, the 25-year-old, who began racing professionally in 2018, said, "I wanted to break the Asian record but missed out!" You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru Encouraged by a select few to take up the sport professionally, Simran like several other para-athletes had to battle past the negativity to thrive as a sportsperson. "At the start, I was unsure if I could do it. I was a girl and since I had problems with my eyes, people, including many in my family would tease me and call me names. I was scared for years. But in life, if 90% of people are negative, there's that 10% who always have your back and encourage you to go for it. I concentrated on that 10%," recalled the Paralympian. "Moreover, there are so many people working behind the scenes to help me succeed. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Descoperă BMW X5 Legacy Limited Edition. Cu o rată fixă de 789€ + TVA/ lună şi costurile de întreţinere incluse. Vezi oferta Undo Credit must be given to them. They are the real pillars of success, because no one can do it alone. My husband (& coach) feels more pressure. More than me, they are unanswerable for my failure," said the Asian para games medallist. Eight years into the sport, Simran rued the lack of competition in the country. "Athletes outside are regularly taking part in meets and that is a place where we are lagging. We need more meets in India. In athletics you at least have a few trials to qualify, but in para athletics, we get only one chance for the final trial. There's nothing like – we can try next time for us. It rained here yesterday (Friday), and it hampered the chance for many to qualify for the Worlds," said Simran, who will next take to the track during the World Championships. Clear of her goals, Simran said, "My goal is to get a gold medal for my country, and I want to start at the Worlds in Delhi. "Of course, the ultimate goal is the Olympics. LA is in my heart, mind and dreams! I was happy with my bronze in Paris but not satisfied. In LA, I will run for only gold," signed off a determined Simran.
