The NHL announced Thursday they have suspended Ottawa Senators center Shane Pinto for 41 games for violating its sports wagering rules. The NHL said an investigation found no evidence that Pinto bet on NHL games, sharing in a news release: “The NHL considers this matter closed, absent the emergence of new information, and will have no further comment.”
Pinto’s suspension marks the first time an NHL player has been suspended for gambling since the U.S. Supreme Court legalized sports gambling in 2018. Pinto said in a statement issued by the Senators: “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. I take full responsibility for my actions and look forward to getting back on the ice with my team.”
A statement from the Ottawa Senators read: “We were made aware of the National Hockey League investigation into this matter and additional information was made available to the club upon the completion of the league’s investigation yesterday. 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. We know he is remorseful for his mistakes. The Ottawa Senators fully support the NHL’s rules on gambling. 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. 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.”
Pinto, 22, is currently a restricted free agent. He was a second-round pick by the Senators in the 2019 NHL Draft, making his NHL debut in 2021. Pinto appeared in just 17 games during his first two seasons, registering 20 goals and 15 assists in 82 games last season for the Senators.
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