Jeff Marek's legal issues lead to Sportsnet departure and police investigation
Jeff Marek has faced legal trouble, resulting in his dismissal from Sportsnet after the NHL Entry Draft. Law enforcement is reportedly involved in the investigation.
From The Athletic:
Marek faced scrutiny from the NHL during the draft for allegedly disclosing player selections to a friend before they were publicly announced. This raised concerns from the NHL, which alerted the Nevada Gaming Control Board. The board has since conducted an investigation, according to multiple sources.
As part of Sportsnet's draft team, Marek had early access to draft picks for broadcast preparation. This practice is standard for broadcasters. However, Mark Seidel, a former NHL scout and scouting service owner, was also present and correctly predicted several picks on social media, raising suspicions about Marek's involvement.
Seidel and Marek's long-standing relationship led to speculation that Marek might have shared draft information to benefit Seidel's social media predictions. Seidel has since removed several posts related to the draft.
Both the NHL and Sportsnet have declined to comment, and Marek has not responded to requests for comment.
Katie Strang and Dan Robson
Fans were left bewildered when Marek went silent after the draft. It was only recently confirmed by Sportsnet that he was let go. The reason for his termination is now coming to light.
In July, Sportsnet quietly parted ways with Jeff Marek.
It wasn't the kind of move that normally would have gone unannounced, but the reason behind it led both parties to choose silence.
Marek had been questioned by the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) and NHL security for allegedly leaking which players teams were drafting moments before picks were publicly announced, according to league and media industry sources.
Reports suggest that Marek was revealing draft selections ahead of their official announcement, possibly to benefit a friend through betting.
Marek had come under scrutiny from the NHL during the first round of the draft for allegedly revealing to a friend which players teams were drafting moments before those picks were publicly announced, according to league and media industry sources. The NHL shared concerns about the situation with the Nevada Gaming Control Board, which probed further, according to multiple sources briefed on that investigation.
The rise of sports betting issues, exemplified by Ottawa Senators forward Shane Pinto's suspension last season, highlights the need for stricter measures by the league.
Source: Hockey Patrol
The real reason behind Jeff Marek's firing unveiled: Police step in
Source:
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