Posted on: October 26, 2023, 04:21h.
Last updated on: October 26, 2023, 04:22h.
The National Hockey League (NHL) has suspended Ottawa Senators forward Shane Pinto for 41 games due to a violation of the league’s sports betting policy.
Pinto is the second professional sports player today to receive a significant ban for betting on their respective sport. The Italian Football Federation also recently banned Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali for betting on professional soccer.
The NHL has not provided specific details on Pinto’s betting infractions that led to his suspension.
The National Hockey League announced today that it has suspended NHL Player Shane Pinto for 41 games for activities relating to sports wagering. The League’s investigation found no evidence that Pinto made any wagers on NHL games,” a brief statement from the league read.
“The NHL considers this matter closed, absent the emergence of new information, and will have no further comment,” added the NHL.
Pinto’s suspension marks the first NHL player to be suspended for violating the NHL Gambling Policy since 2018 when the US Supreme Court legalized sports betting in the country.
Senators Keep Quiet
The Ottawa Senators franchise, along with the NHL, has chosen not to disclose specific details of Pinto’s sports betting infractions. The team acknowledged that Pinto is a valued member of their club and has expressed remorse for his mistakes.
An NHL investigation into Pinto’s conduct began during the summer and has intensified recently. Rumors have suggested that Pinto maintained an online sportsbook account with a legal, regulated operator in the US.
NHL players and league personnel are strictly prohibited from betting on NHL games, even if they are not participating in the game. The NHL has the authority to discipline individuals involved in improper gambling activities, according to Commissioner Gary Bettman.
The NHL Gambling Policy includes a provision stating that players and others falling under its guidelines will face discipline if they engage in conduct that is detrimental to the league or the game of hockey.
Pinto Contract
The Ottawa Senators began their regular season earlier this month, but Pinto has not been able to play due to being an unrestricted free agent amid the betting investigation. However, with the suspension review closed, Pinto’s agent can now negotiate a new contract. It appears that Ottawa wants to retain the rising star, who had an impressive performance last season.
His 41-game suspension is retroactive to Oct. 11, which was Ottawa’s first game of the regular season. 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 team stated.
Pinto also publicly apologized for his actions and expressed eagerness to return to the ice.
“I want to apologize to the National Hockey League, the Ottawa Senators, my teammates, the fans, the city of Ottawa, and most importantly, my family. I take full responsibility for my actions and look forward to getting back on the ice with my team,” Pinto said.