How much do you need?

It's a question RICK TOCCHET should have asked himself a long time ago, if what the New Jersey State Police says is true.

WAYNE GRETZKY finds himself in an odd position as he goes to the Turino Olympics not just as GM of Team Canada, but as a lightning rod of distraction.

However, when the dust settles, the fog of media hype dissipates, and the case's merits are put forth formally, only Tocchet and his two alleged co-conspirators, NJ Trooper James Harney and James Ulmer will face any consequences.

It is likely, however that some of the names being bandied about, MIKE BARNETT's, Gretzky's, his wife's, for example, will have to testify when and if the time comes that there is a trial. Assuming that none of the hockey people bet the game, they will simply have to face a huge embarrassment that no one will forget any time soon.

But it won't ruin the lives of Gretzky or his wife, won't ruin Barnett's or others involved with simple betting, even if it was by illegal means. Those implicated as bettors may have to testify, and admit to stupid errors in judgment, but they won't lose their freedom.

They'll lose in the court of public opinion, but that court's rulings are fleeting, not binding.

Tocchet, if what has been alleged is true, will go down in history as a man who made a self-indulgent and pathetic choice.

Eighteen years in the NHL making millions, then a sweet job as associate coach to the Great One. Living in the market with the warmest weather in the league. It's hard to believe that anyone would throw it away on the curious dream of being an illegal bookmaker.

So, if these allegations are true, the hockey story in this case is simple: NHL coach implodes.

There's no point looking for "root causes" in this situation. Don't blame the league. The NHL has been clear with its employees for years about this kind of alleged conduct. Blame a 41 year-old who may have played Russian Roulette with his freedom.

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