The NHL suspended Ottawa Senators forward Shane Pinto for 41 games on Thursday, making the 22-year-old American the first modern-day player banned for sports gambling. The league said that the half-season ban was for "activities relating to sports wagering" and that its investigation found no evidence Pinto bet on NHL games, per the AP. No further details were provided on what exactly Pinto did. "I want to apologize to the National Hockey League, the Ottawa Senators, my teammates, the fans and city of Ottawa and most importantly my family," Pinto said in a statement released by the team. "I take full responsibility for my actions and look forward to getting back on the ice with my team."
The league in its announcement said it considers the matter closed and would have no further comment. ESPN notes it's the first NHL suspension related to gambling since the Supreme Court legalized it in 2018. In fact, the Senators in 2021 became the first team in the league to add a gambling advertisement to players' helmets, for the Bet99 platform, the outlet adds. Ottawa coach DJ Smith told reporters at the team's morning skate in New York that the Senators would help Pinto and welcome him back when he's eligible to return. That would be the middle of this season, once Pinto signs a contract. He is currently an unsigned restricted free agent.
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