Shane Pinto Opens Up About His 41-Game Suspension for Proxy Betting
In a candid revelation on the "Empty Netters" podcast, Ottawa Senators forward Shane Pinto disclosed the specifics behind his lengthy 41-game suspension from last season.
The suspension, a significant first in NHL history, was due to violations of the league's gambling regulations. Pinto's situation shed light on the complexities and temptations athletes face in an era where sports betting is becoming increasingly normalized.
Pinto explained that while residing in Canada, he orchestrated a workaround to place bets through friends in the USA.
"I had my buddies - because I was in Canada - just place bets for me in America," Pinto said during the podcast. "I wasn't a Canadian citizen so I couldn't really use a Canadian sportsbook. ... That's proxy betting, so that's obviously a big no-no. It was an illegal act so, obviously, it was a pretty big deal. So that's why we didn't want to fight (the suspension) and we just kinda accepted it."
This straightforward admission highlights a clear breach of the NHL's strict anti-gambling policies.
Speculations swirled around the nature of the bets, particularly whether Pinto had placed bets on NHL games, a scenario that would significantly escalate the severity of the infraction. However, it appears that Pinto's betting did not involve hockey, pointing instead to what he characterizes as an "honest mistake."
The incident casts a spotlight not only on Pinto's actions but also on the broader issue of sports gambling. As betting becomes more intertwined with sports, the lines between permissible fan engagement and prohibited player involvement can blur, creating ethical and regulatory challenges. The NHL, like all major sports leagues, maintains rigorous gambling prohibitions for players to preserve the integrity of the sport.
Pinto's suspension serves as a potent reminder and deterrent to other players of the consequences of disregarding league rules. The hope is that lessons are learned not only by Pinto but by his peers, ensuring they steer clear of similar pitfalls. For more details on Pinto's admission and the implications for him and the league, visit
Source: Empty Netters Podcast
| POLL | ||
Do you believe that Pinto 41 games suspension was a fair consequence of his actions? | ||
| Yes, no tolerance for breaking gambling rules | 17 | 77.3 % |
| No, too harsh | 5 | 22.7 % |
| See Results | 0 | 0 % |
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