There were undoubtedly a few red flags surrounding the dramatic departure of Sportsnet hockey commentator Jeff Marek.
Marek, a seasoned reporter for the Canadian network’s NHL coverage, was picked to cover the 2024 Draft in Las Vegas.
On Thursday, reporter Katie Strang claimed that Marek told experienced scout Mark Seidel which clubs were picking particular players. Aside from his responsibilities with the Barrie Colts of the Ontario Hockey League and his scouting agency, Seidel has occasionally contributed draft information to ESPN. Both were present for the first round of the draft on the 28th at the Las Vegas Sphere.
Two individuals familiar with the matter believe Seidel and Marek had been acquainted for quite some time. Leading up to the annual draft, Seidel discussed prospects on several podcasts with Marek.
There were suspicions that Marek had told Seidel who teams were choosing after Seidel made many accurate predictions in Las Vegas. Several persons familiar with the matter have testified that the NHL voiced its concerns to the Nevada Gaming Control Board, which subsequently conducted additional investigations.
Although the Board refrained from making any direct comments about Marek’s case, there are stringent regulations against the disclosure of draft pick information by individuals in Marek’s position to non-insiders like Seidel. Strang cites unidentified individuals within the NHL and media who claim Marek did not share the information with Seidel to enhance his sports betting habit but rather to prepare Seidel for providing analysis on social media.
Additionally, Strang notes that Seidel erased other social media postings he made the night of the draft, even though he refused to address her story’s inquiries.
According to Strang’s account, Seidel may not have known he violated a policy that could have resulted in Marek’s dismissal; he was likely only attempting to assist a friend with his work.
It would be unfortunate if Marek’s dismissal from Sportsnet were directly related to his breach of the Nevada guidelines.
