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Wayne Gretzky's wife Janet Jones dragged into $1.7M mob-linked gambling scandal
Janet Jones linked to massive 2006 sports betting ring (Getty Images)
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.
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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.
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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.
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