TRENTON, N.J., Feb. 8 (UPI) -- Phoenix Coyotes assistant coach Rick Tocchet said hockey was not involved in the alleged gambling ring that New Jersey authorities said is linked to the coach.
Tocchet was charged Tuesday with promoting gambling, money laundering, and conspiracy as part of an ongoing criminal investigation by New Jersey State Police dubbed "Operation Slap Shot."
He is suspected of being the chief financier behind a multi-million-dollar sports gambling ring that reportedly includes as clients several current and former NHL players, an NHL owner, and Janet Gretzky, the wife of hockey's all-time scoring leader and the Coyotes head coach.
Tocchet spoke briefly with reporters in Phoenix, saying hockey was not involved.
"This is a football thing," he said. "That's all I can really comment on."
John Hagerty, a spokesman for the New Jersey division of criminal justice said the charges are serious, Canada's National Post reported.
"These are second-degree charges in New Jersey punishable by up to 10 years in jail per count, and a maximum fine of $150,000 per charge," he said.
Tocchet will return to New Jersey this week to face the charges.
