The real reason behind Jeff Marek's firing unveiled: Police step in
Jeff Marek was reportedly involved in illegal activities, leading to his dismissal from Sportsnet following the NHL Entry Draft. Law enforcement is now likely getting involved.
According to The Athletic, Marek announced draft selections before the teams had officially made their picks at the podium. It is believed that he did this to help a friend profit from betting.
From The Athletic:
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.
As part of Sportsnet's crew that night, Marek was privy to the draft selections before they were publicly announced. This is common practice for broadcast rightsholders. The production truck is notified of the pick approximately one or two minutes before it's made so that graphics can be prepared, video clips readied and cameras trained on the player about to find out he has been selected.
Also under the Sphere that evening working the draft was Mark Seidel, a former NHL scout with the Minnesota Wild who for the past five years worked in scouting and player personnel roles with the Ontario Hockey League's Barrie Colts. He also runs his own scouting service, branded the North American Central Scouting Independent Bureau (not to be confused with the NHL's Central Scouting Bureau) and has occasionally provided draft content for ESPN.
Seidel and Marek have known each other for years, according to two people with knowledge of their relationship. Seidel has made multiple appearances on podcasts with Marek, including to talk about prospects in advance of the annual draft.
In Las Vegas, Seidel correctly predicted several picks on X, which prompted concerns that Marek had informed Seidel who those teams were picking.
League and media sources said that Marek gave Seidel a heads up on the picks so that Seidel could better prepare and offer analysis of those selections on social media. Professional sports leagues are known to monitor social media during live events such as drafts; it is also common for leagues to partner with external integrity and compliance firms to monitor social media activity.
When contacted by The Athletic, Seidel declined to answer questions on the situation, including why he deleted a number of social media posts he made on the night of the draft.
The NHL and Sportsnet both declined to comment on the matter. Marek did not respond to requests for comment.
- Katie Strang and Dan Robson
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.
As part of Sportsnet's crew that night, Marek was privy to the draft selections before they were publicly announced. This is common practice for broadcast rightsholders. The production truck is notified of the pick approximately one or two minutes before it's made so that graphics can be prepared, video clips readied and cameras trained on the player about to find out he has been selected.
Also under the Sphere that evening working the draft was Mark Seidel, a former NHL scout with the Minnesota Wild who for the past five years worked in scouting and player personnel roles with the Ontario Hockey League's Barrie Colts. He also runs his own scouting service, branded the North American Central Scouting Independent Bureau (not to be confused with the NHL's Central Scouting Bureau) and has occasionally provided draft content for ESPN.
Seidel and Marek have known each other for years, according to two people with knowledge of their relationship. Seidel has made multiple appearances on podcasts with Marek, including to talk about prospects in advance of the annual draft.
In Las Vegas, Seidel correctly predicted several picks on X, which prompted concerns that Marek had informed Seidel who those teams were picking.
League and media sources said that Marek gave Seidel a heads up on the picks so that Seidel could better prepare and offer analysis of those selections on social media. Professional sports leagues are known to monitor social media during live events such as drafts; it is also common for leagues to partner with external integrity and compliance firms to monitor social media activity.
When contacted by The Athletic, Seidel declined to answer questions on the situation, including why he deleted a number of social media posts he made on the night of the draft.
The NHL and Sportsnet both declined to comment on the matter. Marek did not respond to requests for comment.
- Katie Strang and Dan Robson
Fans began to panic when Marek disappeared after the NHL entry draft. No one heard or saw him for a month, until finally a week ago it was announced by Sportsnet that he was let go. Now, the true reason for his firing has surfaced.
Sports betting is increasing among athletes, which is becoming a growing problem, such as when Ottawa Senators forward Shane Pinto was suspended for half the season last year. The league will need to step in to do something about this.
Source:
The Athletic on X
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