Corruption in Hockey

Corruption is probably one of the worst crimes in the world. Hockey has had corruption issues, but none were bigger what John Spano did in the 1990s. The NY Islanders around this time were the laughing stock of the NHL. They also had horrendous financial troubles. If things got worse, they would be forced to relocate the team. The team's owner, John Picket then agreed to sell the team to Spano for $165 million and $80 million for a 90% stake of the team. Spano was seen as a hero throughout Long Island. The people of Long Island were partying in the streets after they heard their "savior" came from the heavens. At the home opener in 1992, the fans cheered his name nonstop during his inauguration speech before the game. However, it was all too good to be true. After missing multiple deadlines to give Pickett his money, the NHL found out that Spano had forged documents about his wealth. It was also found out that he took out multiple bank loans during his "regime" as owner of the Islanders. On January 21, 2000, after multiple investigations and a long court battle, Spano was sentenced to 71 months behind bars and was forced to pay back all the money he owed to all the lenders. This was one of the biggest scandals in NHL history. Something like this will probably never happen again, but you never know. Lets just hope it stays like that.