Sorry for the belated post guys, but my internet was down all Sunday and early Monday. You may notice that Darren is back, but that I’m still bringing you the Nightmare Clients of the Week. Well, turns out Darren thought I filled in admirably in his absence and since his summer will be hectic enough as it is, I’ll be taking over Nightmare Client of the Week duties from now on. Like everything else on our website, if you have any suggestions or comments regarding the Nightmare Clients of the Week column, please post them below. Now on to the Nightmares:
1. You may have heard about former Cincinnati Bengals linebacker A.J. Nicholson’s recent legal issues, but I was hesistant to post about them last week since his accuser (the mother of his two-year-old son) recanted her story and dropped the domestic abuse charges. However, officials in Kenton County, Ky. refused to drop the charges, which carry a maximum sentence of one year [Nicholson in Florida jail for allegedly violating probation]. Nicholson was released by the Bengals on Monday and now it seems that he is being held in a Florida jail for allegedly violating the terms of his probation. A spokesperson said Nicholson will be held in the jail until a probation revocation hearing is convened, but could not say when that hearing is scheduled. With all their recent run-ins with the law, the Cincinnati Bengals are starting to look like the Florida State of the NFL!
2. Former NHL player Rick Tocchet pleaded guilty Friday to running a sports gambling ring but might not have to serve any jail time [Tocchet pleads guilty, may avoid jail time]. Tocchet, who played for six NHL teams in a 22-year career, is on leave from his job as an assistant coach for the Phoenix Coyotes. He pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to promote gambling and promoting gambling. The maximum sentence for the charges Tocchet pleaded guilty to are 10 years in prison and a $50,000 fine, but such offenses usually do not carry a jail sentence for first-time offenders.
3. Tampa Bay Devil Rays outfielder Elijah Dukes is caught up in some baby mama drama again. Dukes has a history of violent outbursts according to his wife, but during another court filing on Thursday, she told the court that her husband threatened to kill her and sent a photo of a handgun to her cell phone. She even played the St. Petersburg Times a voice mail message she said was from Dukes which stated, “Hey, dawg. It’s on, dawg. You dead, dawg. I ain’t even bulls——-. Your kids too, dawg. It don’t even matter to me who is in the car with you. N—–, all I know is, n—–, when I see your m—–f——- a– riding, dawg, it’s on. As a matter of fact, I’m coming to your m—–f—— house” [Ballplayer’s wife: He threatened me, kids].
3 replies on “Nightmare Clients for the Week of May 20th-May 27th”
Dude, you take Nightmare Clients of the Week to a whole new level. Glad to see that you are embracing the new role.
Tocchet: Nightmare?
Sounds like a dream opportunity for Tocchet and his agent. First, he goes from a fledgling assitant coach on a dreadful franchise (one may even speculate he only landed the gig as best-buddy to Gretzky) to front page newsmaker (despite it being for an illegal reason).
Second, despite the seriousness of his activities (seriousness as defined by the court of laws), his crime falls within a realm of crimes designed to protect against moral terpitude. In a day of age where gambling pretty much consumes the average sports fan’s involvement with sports (fantasy related games), Tocchet’s insider knowledge could lead to significant opportunities in the gaming field. His conviction could catapult interest in sports gambling and further the interests of pro-gaming sports fans.
I’m not saying betting on games worked out for Pete Rose, but then again no evidence tends to support facts that Tocchet was accepting or making bets on games he was personally involved in.
While Tocchet certainly has had nightmarish week for himself, his agent should only have dollar signs in his sights for the time being.
Derek: A great agent can find the silver lining in any Nightmare. It will be interesting to see how Tocchet’s situation plays out. I have a feeling we will be hearing more details leak out in the near future.