Report: End of Jeff Marek at Sportsnet linked to leaked draft info?

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A head start on a big sports story can have its inherent flaws. 

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Media covering big-ticket sports events such as drafts and awards’ shows are often given privileged information by whichever league or promoter to get maximum impact for a breaking story. If it’s a night-time event, advance intel helps with print and electronic deadlines. 

In the pre-internet era, reporters at the NHL’s June trophy showcases were sequestered and given the winners about an hour in advance, to write advance copy sans quotes, with a pledge not to break the ‘embargo’. One member of the Professional Hockey Writers Association, myself in 2015, was invited each spring to witness the live ping pong ball draft lottery in a suite with commissioner Gary Bettman and the general managers. Knowing before anyone else that Connor McDavid was an Edmonton Oiler was of no use with my cell phone surrendered and hermetically sealed at the door. 

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Broadcast rights holders are granted more latitude. For example, at the end of the Stanley Cup playoffs, Sportsnet knows the Conn Smythe Trophy winner a few moments earlier to prepare an ideal camera shot or graphic, likely the same for a Grey Cup, Super Bowl or World Series MVP. 

But what happened on the first night of the NHL draft in Las Vegas and its possible connection to the sudden unemployment of popular host and podcaster Jeff Marek has put a spotlight on how today’s playing field has changed with such insider information. 

Following days of his unexplained absence after Marek hosted the first-round show from The Sphere, came word from Sportsnet that he was no longer at the network that made him a featured part of of its $5.2 billion U.S., 12-year rights agreement with the league that still has two years to run. He co-hosted a radio show with Elliotte Friedman, who also had the lead role on their 32 Thoughts podcast   

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After his own posts went dark following the June 28 first round of the draft, there was finally word from Marek on the social platform ‘X’ five days ago. 

“After 13 great years at Sportsnet, I’m moving on. It’s been an incredible journey and I’m thankful to have worked alongside so many great people and played a role in bringing sports and hockey news to fans across Canada and the world.  

“More to come soon.” 

In a story published Thursday on what led to his departure, Katie Strang and Dan Robson of The Athletic reported Marek had come under scrutiny from the NHL for allegedly relaying to a media friend the names he and the network were receiving of which players that teams were drafting before they were announced. For Sportsnet it allowed their cameras to find the next player to be chosen in the crowd and get the emotional reaction from the family, while Marek could get his notes in order for the interview once the player had come off stage.  

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The Athletic cited NHL and media industry sources, specifically that at least one league official wanted to speak to Marek before he boarded a scheduled flight home after the first round. The questions, according to The Athletic, surrounded Mark Seidel, a long-time scout, at one time with the Minnesota Wild, more recently in player personnel roles with the OHL Barrie Colts, but mostly known in the business for his own company, North American Central Scouting Independent Bureau. 

In a first round that had its share of unpredictability, Seidel, a frequent guest of Marek’s on his show, was enjoying a good streak of correct predictions. Postmedia contacted Seidel about the story. Seidel said he would “rather not comment” at this time and Postmedia did not immediately get a response from a similar request to Marek.

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NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly confirmed Thursday to Postmedia that the NHL does have an agreement with an outside company specializing in external integrity and compliance to monitor coverage of the draft. However, Daly would not comment on someone from the league approaching Marek that Friday night. 

The worry is about any potential advantage that a tip off could mean for betting purposes, which makes it an integrity issue for the league. The Athletic report said the NHL shared its concerns about Marek with the Nevada Gaming Control Board, which stated “as a law enforcement and regulatory agency, the (NGCB) does not comment on whether it is, or isn’t investigating particular persons or entities.” 

The latter’s own rules prevent licensed book wagering on the NHL draft less than 24 hours prior to the beginning of the first round and start of respective rounds.  

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Marek has not commented on The Athletic article. Friedman declined comment to Postmedia when asked about his partner and a future new co-host for their show and the 32 Thoughts. Friedman paid tribute to Marek and their successful partnership, concluding his post on ‘X’: “Life throws curveballs at you. I will miss being his teammate and thank him for being a tremendous co-pilot.” 

[email protected] 

X: @sunhornby                      

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