Ottawa Senators centre Shane Pinto recently found himself at the center of a controversy when news broke that he had been suspended by the NHL for violating the league’s gambling policies. In an exclusive interview with The Hockey News, Pinto opened up about the incident and shed light on the specifics of his suspension.
The 21-year-old rookie sensation admitted that he made a mistake by participating in online sports betting, which is strictly prohibited by the NHL’s regulations. Pinto explained that he was initially unaware of the rules surrounding gambling and didn’t realize the gravity of his actions until it was too late.
“I thought I was just having some harmless fun, but I quickly learned that the NHL takes this issue very seriously,” Pinto said. “I regret my decision and I accept full responsibility for my actions.”
Pinto went on to disclose that he was suspended for a total of 10 games and fined an undisclosed amount of money as a result of his transgression. The young forward expressed his disappointment over missing out on valuable playing time with his teammates and vowed to learn from his mistake moving forward.
“I’m disappointed in myself for letting my team down and for jeopardizing my career over something so trivial,” Pinto said. “I’ve learned my lesson and I will do everything in my power to earn back the trust of my coaches, teammates, and fans.”
Despite the setback, Pinto remains optimistic about his future in the NHL and is determined to put this incident behind him. The Senators organization has expressed their support for Pinto and believes that he will emerge from this experience as a stronger and more mature player.
“Shane has shown incredible remorse and accountability for his actions, and we believe that he will emerge from this situation as a better person and player,” Senators general manager Pierre Dorion stated. “We have faith in Shane’s character and talent, and we look forward to his return to the ice.”
As Pinto serves out his suspension and reflects on his mistake, he is focused on making a positive impact both on and off the ice. The young center is determined to prove that he is capable of overcoming adversity and becoming a role model for young athletes everywhere.
“I want to be a better person and a better player, and I won’t let this setback define me,” Pinto said. “I’m grateful for the support of my teammates, coaches, and fans, and I can’t wait to get back out there and show everyone what I’m made of.”
It remains to be seen when Pinto will be eligible to return to action with the Senators, but one thing is clear – he is determined to make the most of his second chance and prove that he is worthy of wearing the Ottawa jersey. The hockey world will be watching closely as Pinto looks to redeem himself and continue his promising career in the NHL.
