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Tocchet Gets NHL Ban Extended

The Associated Press

Published: November 2, 2007

NEW YORK - Rick Tocchet still has time to serve before he will be allowed back behind an NHL bench.

Tocchet, already on two years' probation after he pleaded guilty to promoting gambling and conspiracy to promote gambling, won't be able to resume his position as an assistant coach with the Phoenix Coyotes until Feb. 7, Commissioner Gary Bettman said Thursday.

Since the betting ring, in which Tocchet partnered with a New Jersey state trooper and another man, became public in February 2006, the former star forward has been on an indefinite leave of absence that was granted by Bettman.

Tocchet needed clearance from the commissioner to get back into the league and hoped for instant reinstatement upon meeting with Bettman on Tuesday along with lawyers and Coyotes general manager Don Maloney.

That didn't happen.

"I am guessing they are disappointed," Bettman said. "While they may not agree with it, they understood why I was doing what I was doing."
Coyotes coach Wayne Gretzky, also the team's managing partner, is eagerly anticipating Tocchet's return.

"We respect the commissioner's decision and are relieved that this situation is behind us," Gretzky said in a statement. "We will welcome Rick Tocchet back on Feb. 7, 2008."

That's only if Tocchet meets new demands placed on him Thursday by Bettman.

Tocchet, who could have received up to five years in state prison, has already violated terms of the leave granted by Bettman by having contact with league personnel during the time he was away.

The commissioner called it "inexplicable" that Tocchet engaged in legal betting even after the ring was exposed.

"I remain concerned as to whether Mr. Tocchet is adequately sensitive to the seriousness of the admitted misconduct, especially in his role as a highly visible and prominent employee in a professional sports league," Bettman said.

He added that Tocchet told him he has gambled during the time of his leave, but in legal ways. If it is determined that Tocchet has a gambling addiction, he will be required to get the necessary treatment, but that wouldn't necessarily preclude him from a February return.

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