Although Gary Bettman's reputation may already be set in stone by some people'those who blame him for two work stoppages during his tenure and also those who praise his hard-line efforts which resulted in the current salary structure'has yet another task at hand which may very well determine his standing in NHL history well after his days as commissioner are over.

Former NHL player and current Phoenix Coyotes assistant coach Rick Tocchet is accused of financing and running a gambling ring in which many players have participated as well as Janet Jones, the wife of the game's greatest player and Coyotes head coach and owner, Wayne Gretzky. Following eight months of investigation, the New Jersey state police have uncovered the gambling ring. Over a period of 40 days, more than 4,000 bets were made totaling more than $1.7 million dollars. Betting accusations bring several serious legal charges along with it: promoting gambling, conspiracy as well as the most serious, money laundering. Tocchet has 14 days to turn himself into New Jersey police, at that point he will be charged.

Operation Slapshot, as the New Jersey police have dubbed this investigation, could potentially damn the sport more than any other act, just one year after the worst season'or non-season'in the league's history.

Although, these are only accusations and the U.S. judicial system presumes innocence until proven otherwise, Bettman needs to act swiftly and take the stance that betting, whether on hockey or not, will not be tolerated by anyone collecting a paycheck from a team of the NHL. If Bettman lets this take place without having his own investigation of the matter he will be tip-toeing on the most dangerous ground in sports, cheating, and (along with Tocchet) may crash right through.

Millions of Americans try their hand at betting; it is a harmless yet illegal habit. But when the bettor has an affiliation to a professional team it is entirely unacceptable. It is very clear that whenever a person of power (i.e. Rick Tocchet) is involved in an illegal activity such as gambling, the presence of risk will exist. The person has put himself in a situation where the spotlight will burn them if it gets to the public sight. Let us not forget about blackmail, and that the only way a person could evade the charges being brought to the public is to influence the outcome of the game.

Being privy to extremely important and influential information, such as which players will be playing on a given night, Tocchet holds a position of extreme power which can be important to bettors.

If it is known that the backup goalie will be getting the start for the Coyotes, do you want to bet on them that night? If an injury is being kept hush-hush internally by the organization, are you sure that putting money on that team to win is the way to go? Could the man behind the bench be influencing the outcome of the game in the interest of his own wallet? If this is even a question, the person should never be allowed around the sport again.

At this time, Tocchet is an innocent man who is simply taking a leave of absence to handle personal matters. Following an investigation, the commissioner and all of his powers need to find the truth in the matter and if Tocchet's personal affairs affect his professional business in a way that influences his business he should be stripped of his position immediately.

The non-hockey fan will again have more ammunition in the case against the sport. If Todd Bertuzzi attacking a player from behind and losing a season due to a labor disagreement, not to mention allowing fighting, were not enough reasons to stop watching hockey, with an investigation, the non-hockey fan may find further reason to not watch the sport, which honestly does have so much going for it right now, because of a person who has put his own interests above the good of the sport.

The court of public opinion weighs heavily and the one which still believes O.J. is guilty and Kobe is a rapist may very well put Rick Tocchet in the same category as Pete Rose.