When Wayne Gretzky's wife lashed out at the owner of Edmonton Oilers

When it comes to the greatest hockey player of all time, Wayne Gretzky's name is sure to come up. His trade from the Edmonton Oilers in 1988, however, was a fiasco that created a lot of controversy. Many blamed his new bride, Janet Jones, for the decision. However, Jones was not going to be a scapegoat and soon lashed out at the team's owner, Peter Pocklington.

In a scathing statement to the public, Jones presented her side of the story and blamed Pocklington for the entire mess. She disclosed that the trade involved an amount close to $18 million and accused Pocklington of not having the courtesy to call Gretzky and inform him about the decision. The couple loved living in Edmonton, and the trade was a rude shock that they did not expect to hit them so soon.

The controversy had fans directing their hate toward Jones, but she was not going to take it lying down. She stated that Gretzky had developed an emotional bond with the team, and the couple always intended to live in Edmonton. Jones said:

"You play for a man for 10 years, and he doesn't even have the courtesy to call and tell you what is happening."

The trade led to significant changes in the league, and the fallout lasted for years. Wayne Gretzky was truly hurt, and his wife's statement made it clear that they had no part in the decision. While many fans remember the controversy and its aftermath, it is important to note that it was Pocklington's decision, and not the couple's, that led to Gretzky's departure from Edmonton.

Wayne Gretzky met his wife at a Lakers game

Wayne Gretzky, one of the greatest hockey players of all time, met his wife, Janet Jones, in a classic case of 'Sports meets Hollywood.' The couple first met on the set of Merv Griffin's TV program Dance Fever, but they didn't start dating until a few years later.

In 1987, they ran into each other again at a Los Angeles Lakers game, and after dinner that night, they've never been apart since. Despite being in relationships with other people at the time, their undeniable chemistry eventually led to a proposal and a lavish wedding. Interestingly, Janet was four months pregnant with their first child at the time of their wedding, but that did not stop her from wearing a stunning $30,000 gown.