All World All Sports Blog

by Digger

Rick Tocchet has finished his two year NHL imposed suspension for his association with "Operation Slapshot" - an illegal sports gambling ring run by former New Jersey State Trooper James Harney.

Tocchet's return is not without conditions (3) set by the league: no gambling in any way, remain in a standing of good conduct, and by entering the NHL Substance Abuse and Behavioral Program to determine if he has a gambling addiction.

This world is full of second chances and Tocchet should be grateful for his reinstatement by league officials as Assistant Coach of Phoenix Coyotes. Gary Bettman, NHL Commissioner, has been quoted on NHL.com ?There is no evidence that anyone, including Mr. Tocchet, did anything that in any way or at any time compromised the integrity of NHL hockey or any NHL hockey game.? This statement is backed up by an official investigation by law enforcement authorities concluded Tocchet's participation in no way directly compromised the integrity of any games and cleared the accused from connection to organized crime.

This scandal did not receive an abundance of media coverage due to many other tainted and seemingly endless sports news misfits. America's four major sports leagues and figures have all faced embarassing times of late. Baseball's steroid/hgh fiasco, NBA referee's fixing games for betting purposes, NHL's Tocchet and NFL's Spy Gate Patriots and Michael Vick. Not long ago, tennis legend John McEnroe raised eyes by suggesting organized crime is infiltrating professional tennis. Marion Jones was stripped of her five Olympic Gold medals by the IOC. OJ Simpson returned to front page news. These were just a few of the many crazy stories from 2007. This year is still young... more to come.

It's a bit mind boggling the NHL has allowed Tocchet back. Most other major sports would have leveled a lifetime ban against any player wagering on a game regardless if the said outcome was effected. Make the most of this opportunity Rick.... second chances often revitalize careers and lives if handled properly. Thank your lucky stars.