| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
Ripley
PickupHockey Pro
USA
365 Posts |
 Posted - 02/07/2006 : 22:23:22
|
Wow! How's that for a black eye for hockey? Coyotes assistant coach Rick Tocchet was just implicated as the financier of a big sports betting and money laundering ring.
Check out the news piece on this site for more info: http://www.pickuphockey.com/hockeynews.aspx?article=h020813A
Now as I understand it, the betting it is not related to hockey. Thankfully. But it raises an interesting question. Should pro athletes be allowed to bet on ANY sport?
Personally I don't think so for a couple reasons:
1) Public perception - The league doesn't want to tarnish its image by having people wonder what sport that particular pro athlete is really betting on.
2) Sports athletes hang out with other sports athletes; basketball, football etc. It is not uncommon to see them together. They understand each other and like minds are drawn together. What is to stop them from either a) having their buddies bet on a game they are involved in so they can throw it and visa versa or b) trade insider information to give their sports colleagues an unfair advantage?
|
|
|
blade
Rookie
Canada
199 Posts |
Posted - 02/07/2006 : 23:01:24
|
Your conspiracy theory is a bit fo a stretch for me. Let them bet on other sports just not their own.
GO FLAMES! |
 |
|
|
bablaboushka
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
2417 Posts |
Posted - 02/08/2006 : 07:46:36
|
I completely agree with you Ripley. But I'm sure there are some players out there who've bought a Pro-line before, just for the hell of it. I think though that they should be able to bet on other sports, with constraints but I don't think that they should be allowed to do it freely, because that's where problems arise. Why shouldn't any regular athlete in the NHL not be able to put a few bucks down with his buddies or whatever on the NFL game on Sunday, or the NBA or MLB game being played? I say crack down on it, still letting them have the right to. Coming with this though should be a stricter punishment for those who violate the guidelines.
Sucks to the Embers, go Sharks! |
|
|
|
pucker
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
398 Posts |
Posted - 02/08/2006 : 11:57:12
|
| Why is gambling OK when the government gets their cut, but when they don't profit - its illegal? A government run sports book is OK but a Tocchet run sports book is not? And who cares if some players bet on football. As long as its not on hockey it shouldn't matter. |
|
|
|
leigh
Moderator
Canada
1755 Posts |
Posted - 02/08/2006 : 23:15:51
|
I agree with Ripley. No pro athlete should bet on any sport. period. You end up in situations like this. Sure Tocchet just bet on "football" but we're always going to wonder if it was hockey too. And like he says, they are always going to have an advantage over the "everyday" guy because they are more apt to have insider information. Why not just make it a blanket rule and say no betting on any sport.
It's not like they need the money. |
|
|
|
goon
Rookie
Canada
113 Posts |
Posted - 02/09/2006 : 09:31:28
|
Now we hear names like Tkachuk, Leclair, Roenick, and Recchi are involved. This could get really ugly for the NHL.
It is a little much to say athletes shouldn't be able to bet on sports. As long as it is not on their sport then what's the big deal? |
|
|
|
Ripley
PickupHockey Pro
USA
365 Posts |
Posted - 02/09/2006 : 17:38:39
|
Are you guys blind? The big deal is going down right now. I'm sure that these guys only bet on other sports but people are speculating and it is a black mark on not only the individuals but the sport itself. Just say no to sports betting and we wouldn't be in this situation. It's not like we're saying don't play cards. Who cares about that! Just don't give yourself or others the perception of having or providing an unfair advantage over others.
Now I hope as much as the next guy that these guys played within the rules but people will speculate forever because it was permitted. |
|
|
|
pucker
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
398 Posts |
Posted - 02/10/2006 : 09:29:24
|
| I guess I can see your point Ripley. It can be compared to insider trading in a way, and in the media you are guilty till proved innocent. |
|
|
| |
Topic |
|
Pro Athletes & Sports Betting 
