Gretzkygate

I couldn't last longer without making some kind of comment about Wayne Gretzky, Tocchet etc.

Frankly, I am most distrubed about the irresponsible manner in which the New Jersey State Police have handled the matter. One of their spokespersons was featured on the Fan590 (Sports radio station in Toronto) speaking about the matter and, at times, indicating that he was unable to give particulars in light of the pending charges. Why would the Fan allow such an irrersponsible law enforcement official to appear in front of an audience, not sophisticated enough to understand the ramifications of the discussion.

Let's be clear about this. Wayne Gretzky, his spouse and buddy Rick Tocchet have not been charged with any offence as yet. The Rule of law in Canada and the United States is that a person is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty. Regardless of what occurs from here on in, all named persons have been tarred with the brush of impropriety and even an acquittal will leave many thinking that they "beat" the charges rather than assuming that those charges had no basis in the first place. What chance do they have of getting a fair trial in light of the way that law enforcement officials have dealt with the media.

I don't know who will be convicted or not, but until such time as there is a full and proper hearing, I remain open to the idea that these charges cannot be proven in a Court of Law and trust that if acquitted, some members in the New Jersey Police department will be dealt with accordingly.

As for the Fan590, they should stop pretending that they are CNN, or, more realtistically, the National Enquirer.