TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- Wayne Gretzky's wife and a Phoenix Coyotes assistant coach might sue New Jersey for $50 million each, contending their reputations were damaged after state officials leaked information from wiretaps in a case involving a multimillion-dollar sports betting ring. In two separate notices -- often a precursor to a lawsuit -- the attorneys named the New Jersey Department of Law and the State Police for allegedly leaking information to the media about recorded conversations. The notices were filed May 8.
Gretzky and his wife, Janet Jones, were linked to the ring allegedly run by Phoenix Coyotes assistant Rick Tocchet, a former NHL player and close friend of Gretzky, the Coyotes' head coach.
New Jersey authorities announced charges in February against Tocchet, a New Jersey state trooper and another New Jersey man for running a nationwide sports gambling operation. State police said wagers -- primarily on professional football -- exceeded $1.7 million during a five week investigation period leading to the Super Bowl.
Jones is alleged to have placed large bets through Tocchet. She has not been charged with any crime but is expected to be subpoenaed to testify before a grand jury investigating gambling activity, attorneys said.
Tocchet is on an indefinite leave from the Coyotes.
Tocchet's notice indicated that if a lawsuit is filed, he'll seek $50 million for the damage to his reputation, his current salary loss, the loss of future employment opportunities as a head coach of an NHL team and future endorsement opportunities.
His notice cites 10 news stories where some contents of recorded conversations were publicly reported. Tocchet's attorney, Kevin Marino, said his client and Jones have two years to file a lawsuit although they may ultimately choose not to sue. A call to Jones' attorney by The Associated Press on Thursday was not immediately returned.
Gretzky and his wife, Janet Jones, were linked to the ring allegedly run by Phoenix Coyotes assistant Rick Tocchet, a former NHL player and close friend of Gretzky, the Coyotes' head coach.
New Jersey authorities announced charges in February against Tocchet, a New Jersey state trooper and another New Jersey man for running a nationwide sports gambling operation. State police said wagers -- primarily on professional football -- exceeded $1.7 million during a five week investigation period leading to the Super Bowl.
Jones is alleged to have placed large bets through Tocchet. She has not been charged with any crime but is expected to be subpoenaed to testify before a grand jury investigating gambling activity, attorneys said.
Tocchet is on an indefinite leave from the Coyotes.
Tocchet's notice indicated that if a lawsuit is filed, he'll seek $50 million for the damage to his reputation, his current salary loss, the loss of future employment opportunities as a head coach of an NHL team and future endorsement opportunities.
His notice cites 10 news stories where some contents of recorded conversations were publicly reported. Tocchet's attorney, Kevin Marino, said his client and Jones have two years to file a lawsuit although they may ultimately choose not to sue. A call to Jones' attorney by The Associated Press on Thursday was not immediately returned.
