The National Hockey League (NHL) has **put on hold** Ottawa Senators star Shane Pinto for **forty-one** games for **breaking** the league’s regulations on **wagering on sporting events**.
Pinto is the first NHL player to be **suspended** for **sports betting** since the **overturning** of PASPA in mid-2018. The New York native has been **competing** for the Senators since **joining** the team from college in 2021.
The NHL did not **reveal** the full **details** of the case, only **connecting** it to “**activities** related to **sports betting**.” The league’s rules **forbid** players from **placing bets** on NHL games, but **permit** them to **wager** on events **outside** the league.
However, the NHL said there was no **proof** that Pinto **bet** on any NHL games. Therefore, what Pinto **wagered** on and why he was **suspended** remains a **secret**.
“The NHL **regards** this matter **as finished**,” the league said. “We will not **provide further comments** unless new information **surfaces**.”
Pinto also **released** a statement about the matter, **expressing remorse** for his actions.
“I want to **apologize** to the NHL, the Ottawa Senators, my **teammates**, the **fans** and the city of Ottawa, and most importantly, my **family**,” Pinto said. “I **take complete responsibility** for my actions and **look forward to returning** to the ice with my team.”
The Senators will greet Pinto upon his return following his gambling ban.
The Senators also recognized the suspension, stating that Pinto will be welcomed back to the team after his suspension concludes. “We have been informed of the NHL’s probe into this situation and received additional information yesterday after the League’s investigation concluded,” the team stated. “Shane is a valuable asset to our hockey team. He is a charming, bright young man, but he made an error that led to the NHL suspending him. We understand he regrets his actions.” “The Ottawa Senators fully endorse the NHL’s regulations regarding wagering. While we are disheartened by this situation, the entire organization remains dedicated to Shane and will collaborate to provide him with all the necessary support to address this issue and become a strong contributor to our community.” “The time is appropriate, with the League’s approval, to welcome him back into the organization and consider him one of our own.”
NFL athletes have also been suspended for violating gambling regulations. While this is the inaugural NHL suspension for gambling, other leagues have taken action in similar circumstances. This is particularly evident in the National Football League, which declared further penalties this summer. Denver Broncos player, Eyioma Uwazurike, was indefinitely suspended in July for a series of gambling infractions. The NFL stated Uwazurike had been placing bets on NFL contests during the 2022 season.
Despite this, he declined to publicly reveal the specific contests he wagered on. He also declined to divulge whether his team was involved in these contests.
In June, four other athletes were sidelined for breaching gambling regulations. Indianapolis Colts’ Isaiah Rodgers and Rashod Berry were sidelined until the conclusion of the 2023 season. Free agent Demetrius Taylor was sidelined for the 2023 season, while Nicholas Petit-Frere was sidelined for six contests.
Previously, in April, five athletes were sidelined for violating the gambling policy. The NFL determined that they had violated the gambling policy. Detroit Lions’ wide receiver Jameson Williams, Quintez Cephus, Stanley Berryhill, and CJ Moore were sidelined. Washington Commanders’ defensive end Shaka Toney was also sidelined.
Italian Football Players Suspended
Further afield, several Italian football players have been sidelined for breaching gambling regulations.
Yesterday (October 26th), Sandro Tonali was sidelined for at least 10 months after being found to have violated gambling regulations. Tonali, who plays for Premier League club Newcastle United, was banned for 18 months.
The suspension was initially only enforced in Italy, but will almost certainly be extended globally. The suspension will be reduced to 10 months if Tonali completes a rehabilitation program. Tonali will also pay a substantial fine as part of the punishment.
Tonali is one of three Italian internationals being investigated for gambling violations.
He was listed alongside Nicolò Fagioli and Nicolò Zaniolo.
Fagioli, who represents Juventus in Serie A, was suspended for seven months in early October. There is no information yet on the penalty for Zaniolo, who currently plays for Aston Villa in the English top flight.
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