It continues to amaze me that as Canadians we continue to look for ways to bring down our heros.

Please do not get me wrong I am not a Gretzky lover, I acknowledge what he has done as a hockey player and as a Canadian, but I spent too many years having him knock my team out of the play offs.

Gretzky as a person exemplifies what we as Canadians are at heart, a little embarassed by what we can accomplish on the world stage, but willing to give this stage to others never seeking to draw the attention onto ourselves.

The whole gambling issue is moot. It is not illegal to bet, only to win and not declare the winnings.In typical American fashion there is a need to make the story larger than life, print what ever comes to mind and deal with the fall out at a later date, regardless of who gets hurt or at times what the facts are.

We as Canadians are willing to buy the story at face value especially if someone is targetting one of us.

RE:The Gretzky Story .

I m just a normal citizen not a journalist but if i would learn about a potential story like this .At the least i would make sure i asked the correct questions to the people involved.Something that i think wasn t acheived in this case.Now cause the same questions were asked by different medias over and over again.Everyone s being denied any more questions about the subject at hand.What would be the question i would ask ,you ask yourself?well,to start i d ask Mr Gretzky how long he has had if any ,knowlege about his wife 's gambling habits? Hopefully as you can all see this simple question alone could answer a lot of our own questions .Thanks To TEAM CANADA and WAYNE GRETZKY I m truly behind you whether you are on or off the ice .You will always be our heroes.GOOD LUCK in TURIN

Enough already! I am so disappointed in the CBC coverage of this "non story". I find it very sad that such a "wonderfully poignant" event received 2 small paragraphs in your article, yet you used 15 paragraphs on a non event. Is Turin really so boring that a story about nothing has to fill in for real news? It isn't even a story, it's gossip, and the CBC does no service to to the public by repeating it ad naseum.

Give me a break. I really don't want to hear Gretzky's name again unless it is in connection with Team Canada and the Olympics. I think if I hear any more about this boring story, I will scream! At the very least, I will turn CBC off.

I agree with the Sask. writer. Why has the CA media taken the bait so readily and made a big deal of U.S. based, unproven story right before the Olympics. I don't think the CA population was as interested as the frenzied media. Lacked a lot of class. Thankfully, Gretzky, as we all expected, rose above it. Now let's focus on the Olympics.

There seems to be a re-occuring question here: "Mr. Gretzky, do you think that this will over-shadow Canada's men's olympic hockey team?" The answer is yes, if the media continues to badger Gretzky. If they keep bringing it up again and again, it will continue to dominate the headlines. So, it's not Gretzky that over-shadows the olympic team, it's actually the media. They are the ones blowing this out of proportion. A typical sensationalization of the truth... or lack thereof. I find it hilarious that the "news" media portray itself as this "pure" entity with no power over what they choose to cover.

If they want to report on something worthwhile, why not report on the injustices of homeless in our country or in the USA or the lack of responsibility that corporations have ethically? Why not focus on those who don't have a voice? Shouldn't that be what the media does? Instead, it is focussing on the rich doing things that people with money have the privilege to do: gamble.

Canadian Pride is an amazing feeling. I find myself every Olympics watching (and cheering like a raving lunatic) for sports that I would never pay any attention to, at any other time in my life. With all do respect... Speed Walking? But really, I don't care what sport it is. They could have the 5000 piece jigsaw puzzle as an event, and if there's a Canadian involved in it, then I'll be up at 3am to cheer him or her on. So with that being said, I can't help but feel a certain amount frustration in this over-hyped media frenzy over Wayne Gretzky. In the history of sport, there has never been a better ambassador. He epitomizes everything good about hockey and sportsmanship. We watched in amazement as he played and put hockey on the map and after his retirement, he stuck around and built a Gold Medal Team for us. He gives every part of himself to his fans shows Canadian Pride in everything he does. And yet, there are still those who wish him to stay home?... because the US Newspapers want to run tabloid media on the man who four years ago beat their hockey team, on their own soil, after a ceremony in which their hockey team lit the torch? Give your head a shake and get back to reporting on the Olympics.

Has anyone thought about investigating a police force which seems to be intent on smearing the reputation of one of the most ethical athletes in all of sports? This is the same police force that insisted that "Hurricane" Reuben Carter was guilty and we all know what happened there. Perhaps the embarrassment suffered in that that case at the hands of Canadian activists and a Canadian movie director who made the movie was too much for them to bear. The thought of putting the screws to Canada must be very appealing to New Jersey's police.

We should all be immediately reminded of one thing. What Janet has been accused of, is no different than that hockey/football/baseball pool we all participate in at "the office"

Economies of scale being as they are, there is simply more money involved. Leave the Great One, and his family alone.

Chris Armstrong

Would this be happening right now if Wayne Gretzky were American? Is the American team so weak that American journalists have to use the media to cause a "scandal" in order to give their hockey teams a chance at winning?! Try hard work and dedication instead of using the power of money (ie. the media) as another player on the ice.

I would appreciate CBC reporters changing their approach when interviewing our Olympic athletes on camera. Far too often, when a CBC reporter is interviewing an athlete who has not won a medal, we take the negative approach. The reporter asks, "What happened? How do you feel about failing to win a medal? What went wrong?" These questions are insulting and demeaning. Whether our athletes win a medal or not, they are among the finest in the world and should be treated as such. Even when the disappointment of an athlete cannot be contained, I would stand up and cheer any CBC reporter who would complete the interview by saying, "Canadians everywhere are proud of the effort you gave today. Thanks for giving your best!" Is that too much to ask?

Lets see here the story is Wayne does not gamble but his wife does. Nothing illegal or even interesting there. Seems like a lot of reporters need to get in touch with reality. Must have been a slow sports week for the gossip mongers.

Wayne gained many fans upon his arrival in Toronto to play hockey as a youngster. We have remained fans of his through out the years and have not allowed the media to tarnish our impression of him. He was and always will be a class act- we could all learn from him.....good luck Wayne and Team Canada at the Olympics.

The pendulum has swung too far. Gretzky's being hounded continuously based on outright rumours.

He's always there for Canada and for hockey. Let's give him the respect he's earned, and support Team Canada. Let's talk about how all our Olympians are doing, instead of what someone dreamed up about any of them.

Wayne Gretzky is about as fine an ambassador for Candada as you can hope to find. Youpeople have attacked him like a pack of hungry hyenas, and without cause just because "they" somebody in New Jersey said it was so. Mr. Gretzky has done so much more for Canada's image than all the two-bit generals and two cent politicians you can name. I would,nt blame him in the least if he abandoned this country but thenhe,s just too much of a gentleman

I feel that those who disclosed this story from NJ last week did so at that critical time on purpose. It's a potential plot to distract the CDN.players so that the US has a better chance of winning. I'd like to see some investigation into this aspect.

It must be very clear that all information is still presumtion.Wayne should be beleived and left alone. If Janet made a bet it's not necessarily a crime so STOP speculating and drown the story both from here and Torino for now --please.

I have already blasted one of our other national television stations and I am glad to read Mr. Burman's comments.

I was tired of that story by Day 2 and I could have the channel changed before the last syllable of Wayne's last name left the lips of anyone on TV.

Walk proud in Turin with Janet on your arm and the best of luck to all Canadian athletes.

Dear Tony Berman, An interesting angle on the gambling/Tocchet story is that the leaks about high profile hockey people (Gretzky, an owner, etc.)has deflected the attention from the fact that one of NJ police's own officers was at the top of this as well, which for me is at least as significant a story as the involvement of NHL’ers.

Could the NHL spin on this story be deliberate on the part of NJ police? I have also noticed that the spokespeople have repeatedly referred to Harney as a former Philadelphia bartender.

In particular, of course, is the leak about a phone call involving Gretzky? Only a few people could have access to that information. Wasn't the actual call made just the day before? Sounds like Harney isn’t the only corrupt cop in NJ.

B. Dewey
Halifax

I would suggest that Wayne Gretzky's history and reputation be considered before innuendos and damaging words are put out there for public consumption. Once there is a hint of wrongdoing, the air is never as pure as it once had been. I think an apology to Wayne by the media is in order.

I AGREE WITH ALL OF THE ABOVE.WHY IS THE FOCUS ON CANADIAN HOCKEY PLAYERS ALONE? AND WHY ARE THE AMERICAN PEOPLE NOT FOCUSING ON THE FACT THAT A POLICEMAN IS INVOLVED IN THIS?WAYNE GRETZKY SHOULD BE LEFT ALONE HE SAID HE DID NOTHING WRONG AND WE SHOULD BELIEVE HIM.IT AMAZES ME HOW PEOPLE WILL JUMP AT THE CHANCE TO RUIN THE REPUTATION OF A GREAT CANADIAN AND STILL OVERLOOK THE FACT THAT A COP IS INVOLVED.GIVE ME A BREAK CANADIAN REPORTERS STOP ACTING LIKE THE U.S. ANY REASON TO RUN DOWN CANADA.IN CLOSING I WILL ADD THE ONLY REASON THIS IS MAKING NEWS,IF IT HAPPENS TO BE TRUE,IS THAT THE U.S. GOVERNMENT DID NOT GET THEIR SHARE OF MONEY OUT IT.

Last night, only moments after Rob Blake said the "issue" would not be a factor for the team, the National followed with a pre-recorded piece from Torino speculating upon the sure to come media frenzy over Gretsky"s presence. It is true that the media, including the CBC, insists that this is a better story than the games themselves. Please, CBC, take the lead here.

An Open Letter to the Media: You're story died. You thought you had Canadian Watergate. You thought you had a Canadian 'Pete Rose bet on baseball' The adrenaline was out of control.Jeeze Louise, this is huge! Your story died. Janet Gretzky bet on the Super Bowl. Janet Gretzky bet 'big' on the Super Bowl....she's rich, she can. She won! Betting on the Super Bowl is not illegal, millions of people did it. Your story has faded away from Gretzky to .....Tocchet? Tocchet and some state trooper? No chance Janet bet on hockey? No chance hockey games are fixed? No chance the shoot-outs are pre-planned? That's it? Tocchet? No Gretzky? Sorry folks...you're story died, do the right thing. Stop hurting people.

Suck it up and stop talking about it, you look like paparrazzi bums chasing Paris Hilton. She bet on the Super Bowl, she bet a lot, she's rich. That's the story.

My suggestion is simple. I recommend that CBC TV takes a lead from CBC radio when reporting stories. CBC radio goes to great lengths to get both sides of the story, where as CBC television often gets caught up in the hype of what's happening in the moment (case in point the Gretzky story). I often get the impression that the CBC has a predefined position on the story that it reports and believe strongly that your audience is intelligent enough to formulate their own opinion given all of the information.

I look forward to more unbiased reporting in the future.

Tom O'Brien

Although I understand the strained position of any honourable news organization with a story like this, there was still room for CBC to go even further in reminding us that these were tabloid-like allegations toward Mr. Gretzky.

Let us remember that the CBC and, in particular, CBC News have the same "near-spiritual status in Canada" that hockey has and should never be in the rumour and innuendo business.

>>An irony about this story is that this is certainly not how sports icons have been treated in the past. It wasn't long ago when many in the media shied away from taking on the professional sports establishment. Sports heroes were often exempt from the aggressive, skeptical reporting that news organizations — and their audiences — consider an important part of daily media coverage today.

But with a story that cuts to the heart of such an important part of our culture, the fine line between rumour and fact can be blurred, if not lost in the crowd entirely.<<

Too bad you can't say the same about the way you protect former government officials. Confirmed reports of RCMP investigations do not even rate a mention. This too cuts to the heart of our culture, and their "culture of entitlement".

I am ashamed to say that I had originally listened to the stories of guilt for Gretzky and his family. Once we sit back and absorb the information, it is clear that Wayne did nothing wrong, and likely his wife-- while gambling on sports in her position may seem unethical-- did nothing illegal, either. This should be an awakening to journalists everywhere that your words are extremely powerful, as are those of your counterparts. Please do your homework on 'unnamed' sources before potentially destroying another's incredible, Great reputation.

Firstly, let me say that I am extremely disappointed in the way in which the CBC chose to cover the Opening Ceremonies of the current Olympic Games. I find it absolutely incredulous that the opening of such an event and the preparation and effort of all the Olympic Athletes should be clouded by the pure desire of the media (CBC) to “follow the crowd” and speculate on the impact of a completely unrelated incident that, by all intelligent accounts, has neither been verified nor proven to be factual, is at the very least, disturbing. The incident I refer to is the “alleged gambling ring “ and the involvement of Wayne Gretzky. It would appear, from watching your coverage of this event that, either your host, Brian Williams, or the CBC or both, have sunk to a level of journalism that is beyond toleration. For it to be claimed that this is an event of such magnitude that it has an overall negative effect on the Olympic Games is naïve and once again proves the fact that the media is not beyond manufacturing the news for it’s own purposes. Shame on you! Not withstanding the article by Mr. Tony Burman dated Feb 13,2006 titled “Gretzky, the media and unnamed sources”, as the old saying goes “Once the horses are out of the barn….it’s a little late to close the door”. It is my sincere hope that the majority of Canadians and all those who support and encourage the Athletes will ignore your attempts at grabbing the sensational headlines. Your coverage would be better spent on the stories and support of the Athletes.

Paul D Brown
Pickering, Ontario

I am disgusted with the media feeding frenzy over the Gretzky story. They should be focusing on the sacrifices and triumphs of our Olympic athletes.

CBC and Canadians need to move to the front of the line and say Wayne we believe you.And get on with the job at hand the Canadian hockey team. I am sure most of us just want to watch Wayne Gretzky take our team to gold.

GOOD JOB CBC THE OLYMPIC COVERAGE IS GREAT. I get to call my son in Devner and tell him who has won medals hours before coverage starts in the USA

I believe that the media is only making such a big deal about this scandal because Wayne Gretzky is the focus of leadership in Canadian Hockey at the Olympics. This would not be such a juicy story for reporters if this happened in mid-summer. It is completely irrelevant to the Olympics and should not be seen as a burden to Team Canada.

I wish the media would highlight the fact that like millions of other men in the world he loves his wife and trusts his wife. It's Valentine's lets celebrate the relationship and get on with letting the athletes compete in the Olympic Games.

Why has no-one in the media questioned the timing of the charges against Rick Tocchet (and the subtle mention of Gretky's name). Doesn't it seem a little too co-incidental that charges were laid one week before the Olympics?

Reminds me of the summer olympics when Steve Nash was kept out of the games by the Dallas Mavericks so he wouldn't be injured. How strange that no American players were held back!

I hope our hockey players use it as motivation to kick some serious butt!

Go Canada Go!

Has anyone ever noticed how ethics and integrity seem to disappear on stories like this? Who is the "unnamed source? Why is he releaseing information that will undoubtably make it harder to investigate amy claims by those involved and not involved. Were I to release information on a corporation's financial statements I would surely be disciplined or fired - look at Mr. Dingwall - firred over a pack of gum. Yet these "un-named" sources always seem to appear at convenient times to muddle the issues. The information alwyas seems to link someone to a crime, not exhonerate them. They couldn't even get the facts straight on this one - when the call was taped.

Shame on them and shame on the media for taking these small threads and making a huge all-encompassing quilt of rumour and innuendo.

Tony Burman - CBC News I agree that there was a kind of 'feeding frenzy' amongst the media last week, when the story broke about illegal gambling connected with the hockey world.

I do declare that 'gambling' has fully tainted our society, our communities, our business worlds and even our family circles.

Gambling begins innocently even with social events such as bingos, ticket selling for carnival queens and community fund-raising for kids school trips and so on. Now there is on-line poker that friend play, there are radio bingos every week night and large cash bingos that attract players from all small surrounding communities. Yes, gambling has become an addiction that we all need to become aware of. I know of many children that suffer because mom and dad have to gamble every night and every weekends parents are gone gambling. That is when we have cross the line into abuse and have begun to cross that line. Many of us need help. Maybe, this story is a blessing in disguise if looked at in the right context. So that the little children do not have to suffer anymore from neglect. Thank you for letting me share my concern.

Thank you for taking the time to write this editorial. I have maintained faith in our 'Great One' and it has been frustrating listening to the mis-representation of the facts (by media and others). Hopefully we can all get back to what really matters - hockey...

Re: Gretzky, the press and unnamed sources.

Dear Sir:

What about ethics and journalistic reporting of real events and facts?

Janice P. Robinson

My thoughts exactly. Rumour and innuendo should not be mistaken as good investigative journalism.

Gretzky has proven himself time and time again. He is indeed a hockey hero, a true Canadian, and a man of integrity that is due respect. That is a fact! Shame on the reporters to make a 'non-story" a story. Stick to the facts!

I don't think Gretzky has a gambling problem, I don't think he has finacial problems, I don't like the negativity towards him from the media, I don't like even talking about this. And no, I don't think he did it either.

I can't believe that journalists continue to look for all the bad in people. Wayne Gretzky is a Canadian Icon, and a hockey hero around the world. He has never done anything but represent our country in a professional manner, and we could all learn a lesson from his conduct throughout his public life. Leave the man and his family alone, and let him lead Team Canada to another gold medal!!!