Shane Pinto of the Ottawa Senators during a warmup in 2021, prior to his suspension. Photo by Richard A. Whittaker via Getty Images
Ottawa Senators center Shane Pinto has been suspended 41 games for violating the NHL’s sports gambling protocol.
The suspension was announced Thursday morning. It will last for 41 games, exactly half of the NHL season. Pinto has yet to play this season, and thus the suspension is retroactive to the first game of the season.
What Happened?
Pinto was found guilty of violating the league’s sports wagering policy, but the details of it are unclear. According to the league, though, the “investigation found no evidence that Pinto made any wagers on NHL games.” Pinto did not bet on any games, but he did have an online gambling account in the U.S. The league was alerted of it due to “unusual activity.”
“I want to apologize to the National Hockey League, the Ottawa Senators, my teammates, the fans and city of Ottawa and most importantly my family,” Pinto said via a statement. “I take full responsibility for my actions and look forward to getting back on the ice with my team.”
“Shane is a valued member of our hockey club; an engaging, intelligent young man who made poor decisions that have resulted in a suspension by the National Hockey League,” the Ottawa Senators said in a statement. “We know he is remorseful for his mistakes. The Ottawa Senators fully support the NHL’s rules on gambling.”
This suspension marks the first since sports betting was made legal by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2018. Since then, the NHL, as well as the other major sports leagues, have been in bed with the gambling companies that earn them massive profits. Obviously, there had to have been a significant cause for the suspension to be handed down. But with the league having no further comment about the issue, those causes will remain unclear to the public.
Continued Statement
“While saddened to learn of this issue, the entire organization remains committed to Shane, and will work together to do what is necessary to help provide the support to allow him to address his issues and become a strong contributor to our community,” the team announcement continued. “When the time is right and with the league’s blessing, we will welcome him back to the organization and embrace him as one of our own.”
The 3-3-0 Senators will take on the 2-2-1 Islanders tonight in New York, at 7:30 p.m. Eastern.
