The Cop Makes a Deal, the Jock Takes the Fall

It looks like Rick Tocchet is the primary target of "Operation Slap Shot:"

A former New Jersey state trooper pleaded guilty Thursday to helping run a gambling ring and will assist authorities in their case against former NHL hockey star Rick Tocchet.

James Harney, an eight-year veteran with the state police, pleaded guilty to conspiracy, promoting gambling and official misconduct in a negotiated deal.

Harney, 40, initially faced more than 25 years in jail, but the plea bargain has reduced his maximum sentence to seven years.

A comment from our friend Eric over at Off Wing Opinion:

In the end, (Tocchet's) involvement has been an incredible stroke of luck for authorities in New Jersey. Had Tocchet's role in this affair been played by someone without his public profile and connection to the NHL, the spotlight would have been exclusively trained on the New Jersey State Police.

Instead, what would have been a one-day story in New Jersey gets the name "Operation Slap Shot", and the State Police get to publicly deflect all the attention onto Tocchet, Wayne Gretzky and his wife.

Indeed. Given Harney's claim that he and Tocchet were 50/50 partners in the gambling ring, one wonders if police ever considered calling the case "Operation State Trooper."