November 2nd

Tocchet, Will Be Comming to a Rink Near You

On Thursday NHL commissioner Gary Bettman reinstated Rick Tocchet effictive February 7, 2008, and said "Employment and participation in the National Hockey League is an honour and privilege that can't be taken for granted. I felt that two years was the appropriate punishment." The Phoenix Coyotes assistant coach had been on a leave of absence since February of 2006 amid accusations he and two men were operating an illegal sports gambling ring. Tocchet agreed back on May 25th to a plea bargain in a New Jersey court on counts of promoting gambling and conspiracy to promote gambling, and was sentenced to two years probation on August 17th.

His return to comes with three conditions set by the commissioner. 1--Tocchet is forbidden to take part in any form of gambling, 2--he must refrain from activity that may hurt the reputation of the NHL, and 3--will also be evaluated by the league's substance abuse and behavioural health program to see if he has a compulsive gambling addiction. If Bettman is satisfied that all three conditions are met, then Tocchet will be eligible to be behind the Coyotes bench on Feb. 7th, when the team hosts the Columbus Blue Jackets.

One important thing that can be learned from this, listen up Mr. Rose, if you tell the truth and are honest up front people will respect you for it and give you a second chance.


Torre, Back to his Roots

Two weeks after rejecting a one year $5-million offer to return to the Yankees, Joe Torre is the new skipper for your Los Angeles Dodgers. While terms were not disclosed reports suggest its a three-year deal worth $14.5-million. Torre, who grew up in Brooklyn, becomes the eighth manager of the Dodgers since they relocated from his old neighborhood in 1958.

There of course are now rumors that A-Rod will follow is former manager west, but weither LA wants to/has the money to sign another former Yankee is a good question. My shot in the dark guess is that Rodriguez will end up in Chicago to play for his other former manager, Lou Piniella.