In a statement posted to Twitter Sunday morning, Evander Kane denied allegations that he bet on his own NHL games and said he intends to cooperate fully with the league’s investigation into the matter.
The allegations, which were made by Kane’s wife, Anna, on social media accused the San Jose Sharks forward of being a “compulsive gambling addict” who has thrown games to win money. In a separate post, Anna Kane accused her husband of spending lavishly partying in Europe while asking her to sell her wedding ring to survive and wrote about not being able to afford baby formula for their child.
“Unfortunately I would like to address the complete FALSE accusations that my estranged wife and soon to be ex wife has made against me,” Kane wrote. “Even against the advice of my legal team I feel strongly that the public and fans hear this directly from me. I have NEVER gambled/bet on a Sharks game, NEVER gambled/bet on any of my games and NEVER thrown a hockey game.
“The facts are I personally had my best season of my career last year and was the most consistent I’ve been throughout any season, and I’m proud of that. I love the game of Hockey and would never do any of what was alleged. I look forward to cooperating fully with the league’s investigation, having my name cleared and looking forward to this upcoming season.”
Kane continued his statement to address specifically the allegations made surrounding his actions as a father, and the treatment of his and Anna’s child.
“I love my daughter. I will and always have taken care of my daughter in every way possible,” Kane wrote. “I have always made sure her mother has had everything she’s needed and more. I have tried to de-escalate our divorce issues and be as civil and calm as anyone in this position could. I have tried to set up FaceTime calls and visits with her. I have had some FaceTime calls but not every day as I would like to because of being restricted by her mom.
“She has refused me to see her and has unfortunately tried to use my daughter as leverage. I will continue to always take care of my family that goes without question. I would encourage people to realize that someone who goes to this length to try and jeopardize someone’s career with lies is mentally unwell. I hope this is the last time I will be publicly addressing any further misrepresentations of me as a father.”
The league said late Saturday night that the intended to conduct a full investigation, writing in a statement that “the integrity of our game is paramount and the League takes these allegations very seriously.”
Specifics of what that investigation will entail were not immediately available.
Kane’s gambling history and finances have been public knowledge for some time. A Las Vegas Strip casino sued Kane in 2019, alleging he failed to repay a $500,000 gambling debt racked up during a playoff series against the Golden Knights.
Since the Supreme Court paved the way for legalized sports gambling in the U.S. and more states have adopted it, the NHL has embraced the possibilities and made several partnerships with sportsbooks and other betting organizations.
Kane, 29, is three seasons into a $49 million, seven-year contract. He’s with his third organization after being drafted by and debuting with Atlanta/Winnipeg and a stint in Buffalo. According to Capfriendly, which charts hockey salaries, he has made just under $56 million during his NHL career.
