On Friday, former New Jersey State Trooper James Harney was sentenced to five years in prison for his role in “Operation Slapshot.” Former Phoenix Coyotes assistant coach Rick Tocchet was implicated in and plead guilty to charges stemming from the operation that unearthed a gambling ring two years ago. He may be eligible for parole in a year.

Harney plead guilty to conspiracy to promote gambling, promoting gambling, and official misconduct. Under the plea arrangement, Harney indicated that Tocchet was an equal partner in the gambling ring and Tocchet also plead guilty to similar charges of conspiracy and promoting gambling. Harney had another charge against him of official misconduct as he transacted gambling business as an officer for the state of New Jersey, which may influenced the sentencing. Tocchet has yet to be sentenced, and it is unclear what his sentence will be.

With the recent scandals involving an NBA official betting on the outcome of games that he worked, and Tocchet’s participation in the World Series of Poker Main Event, I would think it’s very unlikely that he will be reinstated as a coach for the Phoenix Coyotes.

The whole scandal was very unfortunate for Tocchet and for Phoenix Coyotes fans who lost a potentially great coach. Gambling operations such as “Operation Slapshot” are obviously very lucrative for those like Tocchet and Harney. With the Southwest’s proximity to Las Vegas, it is unclear why anyone would choose to place a bet with an illegal gambling ring, but the odds these guys were giving on sporting events must have been too good to pass up.

Sometimes working with friends doesn’t always pan out.

Original post by PB

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