Ice hockey center Shane Pinto was hit with the first-ever suspension by the National Hockey League linked to gambling. The Ottawa Senators player took full accountability for breaking the sports wagering rules of the NHL and will be out for 41 games.
An announcement from the NHL detailed the facts and said that the investigation by the league revealed that Shane Pinto did not ever bet on games under the NHL. They have further said that they consider this matter closed. In a statement, Shane Pinto said that he wished to express regret to the NHL, his team, the Senators, his teammates, the residents of Ottawa, fans, and his family. He said he took complete responsibility for his actions. He further said that he looked forward to returning to the field with his team.
The Senators Have Stood Behind Shane Pintos
Shane Pinto did not represent the Senators during the 2023-24 season and is presently a free agent and has not signed for any team. In a statement, the Ottawa Senators have said that Shane Pinto was a valued player for the club. It further commended him for his intelligence and engaging personality. They regretted that he had made what they called a poor decision that led to him being suspended from the NHL. His team said that he regretted his decision and was filled with remorse for his errors.
The Senators said that they fully supported the NHL’s rules linked to gambling. The team said that while they were saddened by the issue, the team as a whole would work with Shane Pinto and do what was necessary to give him the support necessary to let him resolve his issues and return to becoming a formidable contributor to the community.
The team stated that they would welcome Shane Pinto back into the fold with the blessing of the NHL and readily accept him as their own. Pinto continued to work out on his own in Ottawa while he bid his time before signing a fresh contract.
