Engaging in wrongdoing comes with consequences, including serving a sentence.
Ottawa Senators fans will have to wait a few weeks to see Shane Pinto on the ice. The National Hockey League (NHL) announced a 41-game suspension for Pinto, who is 22 years old, citing “activities related to sports wagering.”
As reported by the Ottawa Sun, Pinto possessed an online gambling account that raised concerns due to “unusual activity,” as flagged by an NHL partner. While the NHL didn’t specify the exact reasons behind the suspension, they mentioned that their investigators didn’t find any evidence of Pinto placing wagers on NHL games.
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The NHL has considered the investigation closed and won’t provide further comments on the matter, unless new information emerges.
In response, Pinto issued a personal statement, offering his apologies to the NHL, the Ottawa Senators, his teammates, and his family. He accepted full responsibility for his actions and expressed eagerness to return to the ice with his team.
The Ottawa Senators Hockey Club also released a statement acknowledging their awareness of the NHL’s investigation and receiving additional information after its completion. They described Shane Pinto as a valued member of their club, a bright and engaging young man who made regrettable decisions resulting in his NHL suspension. The team emphasized his remorse for his mistakes.
This incident highlights the dangers of gambling addiction, particularly for professional athletes, which can lead to significant consequences.
