MESA, ARIZ. ? This was Wayne Gretzky’s initial response Tuesday to a question about his wife’s possible involvement in an illegal gambling ring financed, according to authorities, by his associate coach and good friend, Rick Tocchet.

“Oh, really? I don’t know. You’d have to ask her that.”

The Phoenix Coyotes and the world of hockey better hope that was a genuine statement of innocence and not a Richard Nixon-like dodge.

What we know now is bad enough: New Jersey state police – who dubbed their investigation “Operation Slap Shot” – say Tocchet financed a gambling ring that took in more than 1,000 bets worth about $1.7 million during a 40-day span last year. He could face charges of promoting gambling, money laundering and conspiracy, and if convicted on the money laundering allegation, the popular former Coyote will go to jail, as per New Jersey statute.

That news broke Tuesday morning, along with word that about a half-dozen current NHL players had bet on football and basketball. In addition, police said their probe revealed the gambling ring had ties to a mob family based in Philadelphia – where Tocchet played for much of his 18-year career – and New Jersey.

The NHL’s worst nightmare had dropped into the Coyotes’ lap.

And then it got worse.

The Associated Press, quoting two law enforcement officials who wished to remain anonymous, reported that Gretzky’s wife, Janet Jones, placed bets with the ring.

Gretzky’s wife. His good friend and co-worker.

Leaving us, uncomfortably, with several questions this morning:

How could Gretzky not know his wife might have been making illegal wagers – with a close friend? Was he unaware, too, that Tocchet was operating a gambling ring, as police allege?

And the question that really scares the Coyotes and the NHL: What if Gretzky was involved, and Jones was making bets on his behalf?

After Tuesday night’s 3-1 loss to Chicago, Gretzky emphatically denied Janet was doing his bidding.

“I didn’t get involved and I haven’t been involved in betting,” he said, adding he didn’t know of Tocchet’s alleged activity.

Gretzky said he talked to Janet but, “We really didn’t get into it (her alleged wagering).” Wait a minute. He didn’t ask his wife about being implicated in a gambling ring?

If Gretzky is innocent of everything but ignorance, his reputation will be spared. But until that day comes – if it comes – he’s going to be dragged through the mud because he’s guilty by association – married to a woman and close to a man who police say are dirty.

Let’s be clear: No one, including Tocchet, has been convicted of any crime. And those of us who were around during the Phoenix Suns’ “drug scandal” of the mid-to-late 1980s recall how authorities couldn’t back up their accusations.

But this is no witch hunt. New Jersey police wouldn’t have implicated Tocchet publicly without believing they had compelling evidence to do so. Tuesday’s revelations will be dismissed by some, particularly if it’s determined there were no bets placed on hockey. As long as rich, young men don’t pull a Pete Rose and bet on their sport, what’s the harm?

Here’s the harm: The wagering was illegal. Police are talking about hockey players and the Bruno-Scarfo crime family in the same press release. A sport desperately searching for widespread acceptance after stiffing its fans in a

season-long lockout has been embarrassed anew.

And the worst part?

This is just the beginning.