Hearing Waived in Betting Case

The arraignment hearing has been waived for Rick Tocchet, James Harney and James Ulmer, the three men New Jersey authorities say ran a nationwide sports betting organization, a spokesman for the state attorney general’s office said Thursday.

The three were scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday in a Mount Holly, N.J., courtroom. Tocchet, a Phoenix Coyote assistant coach, and Harney, a New Jersey state trooper, are alleged to have run the nationwide gambling ring. Ulmer is considered by police to have been an underling in the operation.

Defense attorneys for the three requested that the arraignment be waived, said David Wald, spokesman for New Jersey Atty. Gen. Zulima V. Farber.

As many as 12 current and former NHL players, as well as Janet Jones, wife of Coyotes’ Coach Wayne Gretzky, are believed to have made wagers on football and basketball games through the ring. None are believed to have bet on hockey.

Tocchet’s bail, which was to be set at that arraignment, now will be determined at a later date “when he is officially processed by authorities,” Wald said. Harney’s bail was $100,000, and Ulmer was free on $50,000. The state police, which made the case public last week, have said they would face charges of promoting gambling, money laundering and conspiracy.

In a statement, Kevin Marino, the attorney representing Tocchet, said: “In light of illegal press leaks that have plagued this matter and the gross mischaracterization of this case that has appeared in the international media, we are extremely pleased that Rick Tocchet will not be subjected to the further public humiliation a first appearance would entail.”

When contacted, Marino said his client “should never have been charged in this case to begin with.”

Wald would not comment as to whether waiving the arraignment was a prelude to charges being dropped, saying “the investigation will continue.”

The NHL is conducting its own investigation and Wednesday warned that players who may have placed bets with the ring could face fines or be suspended, even if they were found to have done nothing illegal.

Bill Daly, NHL deputy commissioner and chief legal counsel, said the key would be whether a player was found to have done anything “detrimental” to the game.

At the time, officials with the players union were unavailable for comment. On Thursday, NHL Players Assn. Executive Director Ted Saskin said, “It is premature to comment on this matter since very few details are available. That said, the NHLPA will vigorously oppose any actions by the league that violate our members’ rights.”