Shane Pinto of Ottawa was punished for 41 games and was the first current NHL player to be banned for gambling
NHL suspended forward Shane Pinto of the Ottawa Senators for 41 games, making the 22-year-old American the first player banned for sports gambling in modern hockey history.
According to the league, Pinto's half-season punishment was imposed for activities relating to sports wagering, and their inquiry turned up no proof that Pinto placed NHL game wagers. There is no further information why Pinto did and how he did.
Unless there is fresh information in the investigation, the league stated that it views the subject as closed.
At the team's morning practice in New York, coach D.J. Smith assured media that Pinto will get support from the Senators and an open welcome back when he is cleared to play again.
That would be, assuming Pinto signs a contract, midway through this season.
This ban starts to explain why he is currently an unsigned restricted free agent and was the last player in that category without a contract.
Pinto is the most recent professional athlete to be suspended since the United States Supreme Court made legal sports betting possible in 2018. 10 NFL players have been suspended for gaming in recent years.
