Comments on: Gretzky Caught On Gambling Wiretap

By: Peter Puck

Peter Puck — Thu, 09 Feb 2006 18:26:00 +0000

Did college basketball's popularity go down because of the ASU point shaving scandal? No. Did college football take hit when Wilbon's "esteemed, distinguished" Northwestern had players fumbling at the goal line against Iowa on purpose? No. What makes anyone think that those of us who actually watch hockey are going to stop because of this?

This is the most publicity the NHL has had in a long time. Bettman will milk the "Will they take down Gretzky?" issue for all he can if the NBC ratings suddenly go up. The worst part of this may be that the league will go black for the Olympics starting Sunday...

Unless this somehow becomes a Pete Rose situation, I predict that Gretzky is forced to step aside as coach ("allegedly ala Jordan") so he can "deal with his wife's (alleged) gambling issues" and is told to not hang around NHL rinks, etc. for a year or two.

By: Lawrence

Lawrence — Thu, 09 Feb 2006 18:20:00 +0000

P.S. But I’ll still watch hockey, of course.

By: Lawrence

Lawrence — Thu, 09 Feb 2006 18:19:00 +0000

I pretty much agree with DCThrowback. However, Gretzky has been one of the few sports superstars that can reasonably be said I idolize. If he’s “dirty”, and I’m a long way from conceding that at this point, I’ll be shaken to the core.

By: Ninja

Ninja — Thu, 09 Feb 2006 17:26:00 +0000

Just playin', Ben.

Besides, I don't read it either. I let this place read it for me. It is a great daily resource, and I'd recommend it even if you don't like the Leafs.

p.s. I'm not affiliated with the link in any way.

By: DCThrowback

DCThrowback — Thu, 09 Feb 2006 16:30:00 +0000

I can’t believe these fools don’t use the internet like most Americans do when they which to put some action down on a game – or just fly to Vegas. For someone to say, “well, who will take $50K in action”, you can open accounts with numerous books if you wish. The association with noted crime figures will sink their ship more than the gambling itself – what were thinking? Jeez.

I disagree with Eric’s assessment that the sport will lose “new” fans – most Americans don’t care that you enjoy wagering as long as you don’t do it on your own sport. On the issue of role models, 99% of Americans could care less Michael Jordan is an inveterate gambler who may or may not have asked to leave his sport for 18 months based on his associations with bad characters. They care that on the court he was the best ever.

Besides, I like Wings tonight -110.

By: Ben Wright

Ben Wright — Thu, 09 Feb 2006 15:31:00 +0000

I stand corrected. That’s what I get for never, ever, reading the Toronto Sun.

By: Ninja

Ninja — Thu, 09 Feb 2006 13:24:00 +0000

Ben, I think Steve Simmons might be upset you think he is a nobody.

http://www.torontosun.com/Sports/Hockey/2006/02/09/1433343-sun.html

By: Ben Wright

Ben Wright — Thu, 09 Feb 2006 13:05:00 +0000

And the question nobody is asking is… if you’re the Canadian Olympic committee do you still want Gretzky going over to Torino given the information that’s coming out? Will it be more of a distraction if he goes or if he stays home? Nothing says “spirit of the Olympic Games” like big-time gambling.