“This seems ridiculous,” Fans react as Shane Pinto APOLOGIZES after NHL hands down 41-game suspension for sports betting

The Ottawa Senators center became the first modern-day hockey player to get banned due to sports betting.

“This seems ridiculous,” Fans react as Shane Pinto APOLOGIZES after NHL hands down 41-game suspension for sports betting

Shane Pinto [Image Credit: Reddit]

Ottawa Senators center Shane Pinto’s ban on 41 games has caught the internet on fire as fans got divided in their opinion. While the league did not clearly state the motive or actions of his gambling, fans began questioning the league’s policies.

According to ESPN, Pinto’s suspension became the first sports gambling-related case since the legalization of sports betting in 2018. The U.S. Supreme Court legalized wagering which opened the door for several teams and players to get sponsorships from companies.

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Pinto’s ban was announced on the day the team faced against NY Islanders. He became the first modern-day hockey player to get banned from 41 games for gambling. Since the incident fans have asked the league to provide further details on the incident, but they have already considered the “matter closed”.

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Along with the Ottawa Senators’ statement, Shane Pinto also issued apologies to the team, organization, fans, friends, and family for his actions. He promised to never go down this path in the future and the Sens also noted, that “when the time is right” they’ll “welcome him back to the organization.”

“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’s remorseful for his mistakes.”
Ottawa Senators statement as per ESPN

Fans question why Shane Pinto has apologized for sports betting

While sports betting can be a sensitive topic, fans have started to question Shane Pinto for his statement after his suspension. Following the NHL’s investigation, they did not find any link to him betting on ice hockey games. 

Shane Pinto [Image Credit: New England Hockey Journal]
Shane Pinto [Image Credit: New England Hockey Journal]

Fans have questioned if it’s really illegal for players to bet on different sports while asking why he has to be suspended for 41 games. One noted, “Apologize for what? This seems ridiculous”.

As per The Ottawa Sun, Pinto reportedly had an online gambling account which later got flagged by an NHL partner due to “unusual activity”. Pinto accepted his faults and released a statement soon after his suspension.

“I take full responsibility for my actions and look forward to getting back on the ice with my team.”
Shane Pinto as per ESPN

The 22-year-old forward will thus, be missing the on-ice game in the following weeks. While he’s on suspension, the team is set to face off against Sidney Crosby’s Pittsburgh Penguins. According to his latest stats, Pinto played in all 82 games last season and held up a good score on his card.

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