NHL Reinstates Coyotes Coach Tocchet
Well, the Phoenix Coyotes‘ assistant coach, Rick Tocchet, has been reinstated by NHL commissioner, Gary Bettman.
The catch?
He’ll have to wait until Feb. 7, 2008 to resume his coaching duties. Even then, however, he has to be following some guidelines.
You might remember that Tocchet and two other men were accused of operating a sports gambling ring in the U.S. He’s been on leave of absence ever since. An independent investigation has been completed and no evidence has been found that would incriminate Tocchet.
“Employment and participation in the National Hockey League is an honour and privilege that can’t be taken for granted,” Bettman said during a news conference. “I felt that two years was the appropriate punishment.”
Wow… Bettman talking about the privilege of being employed by the NHL and not taking that for granted. Oh, the things I want to say right now!!!
Tocchet agreed May 25 to a plea bargain in a New Jersey court on counts of promoting gambling and conspiracy to promote gambling, and was sentenced to two years probation
His return to the NHL comes with three conditions set by Bettman.
- Tocchet is forbidden to take part in any form of gambling
- He must refrain from activity that may hurt the reputation of the NHL
- He will also be evaluated by the league’s substance abuse and behavioural health program to see if he has a compulsive gambling addiction.
If Tocchet fulfills his end of the bargain, he’ll be back to coach the Coyotes on Feb. 7 when they will host the Columbus Blue Jackets.
“We respect the commissioner’s decision and are relieved that this situation is behind us,” Coyotes coach Wayne Gretzky said in a statement. “We will welcome Rick Tocchet back on Feb. 7, 2008.”
Anaheim Ducks general manager Brian Burke applauded Bettman’s ruling.
“I think the league has conducted a thorough investigation and I believe people do deserve a second chance,” Burke told the Canadian Press. “This shouldn’t obscure the fact that Rick Tocchet was a warrior in our league and a fine coach. One mistake or a series of mistakes that didn’t affect the integrity of our game shouldn’t serve as a bar for Rick Tocchet to continue in our league.”
I don’t know how I feel about this yet but I think that the conditions are good but I would add a 1-year probationary period - just to be on the safe side!
Tags: rick tocchet, tocchet reinstated, tocchet gambling
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POSTED IN: NHL, News, Phoenix Coyotes
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