Pinto suspension creates learning opportunity in modern betting landscape

OTTAWA — Just when you thought the Shane Pinto situation could not get more strange, it took a hard right into the Twilight Zone.

Pinto, best known as the Ottawa Senators restricted free agent without a contract, is now the young centre who just got suspended 41 games “for activities relating to sports wagering,” according to the NHL’s official statement.

The statement adds that there was no evidence Pinto bet on hockey games.

Welcome to the awkward line the NHL walks — jumping headfirst into the gambling world of television ad dollars and 24/7 betting apps while vowing to keep its own players in check.

Kudos to the keen observer who posted a photo online of Pinto in a Senators uniform, wearing a league-sanctioned Bet99 logo on his helmet last season.

Whatever the gambling impropriety, it clearly drew the ire of the NHL, which suspended the 22-year-old for half an NHL season, a suspension that is retroactive to Ottawa’s first game of the season. The NHLPA negotiated Pinto’s penalty with the NHL and will not appeal.

In other words, Pinto is already doing penance, even without a contract to play hockey this season. According to multiple sources, Pinto’s gambling activity was flagged by a company that is a partner of the NHL. Had Pinto’s gambling involved hockey bets, he could have faced more serious penalties, including potentially a lifelong ban from the game. 

Pinto was quick to fall on his sword and accept his fate, as the first hockey player suspended under the NHL’s current gambling policy.

“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 Thursday afternoon. “I take full responsibility for my actions and look forward to getting back on the ice with my team.”

That “my team” reference will be welcomed by Senators fans who have been critical of the Senators and general manager Pierre Dorion for failing to get Pinto signed over the summer months. The Senators have been in salary cap trouble since signing free-agent winger Vladimir Tarasenko. It isn’t clear exactly when the Senators learned of the NHL’s investigation into Pinto, but it is believed to be more recent. That certainly had an impact on any chance of getting Pinto signed once the regular season began on Oct. 11.

It also explains why Dorion has said very little about the Pinto situation in recent weeks.

Like Pinto, the Senators’ statement sounded very bullish about a future deal with Pinto.

“Shane is a valued member of our hockey club; an engaging, intelligent young man who made poor decisions that have resulted in a suspension by the National Hockey League. We know he is remorseful for his mistakes,” the statement reads, in part.

“The Ottawa Senators fully support the NHL’s rules on gambling. While saddened to learn of this issue, the entire organization remains committed to Shane and will work together to do what is necessary to help provide the support to allow him to address his issues and become a strong contributor to our community.

“When the time is right and with the league’s blessing, we will welcome him back to the organization and embrace him as one of our own.”

It could well be that with this news out of the way, a deal gets done easily and Pinto can begin to play for Ottawa in January. There is a case to be made for Pinto to sign a modest contract for a short term, to prove himself. The qualifying offer made to him in June to retain his rights remains available at a bargain basement $874,125.

The silver lining in all this mess — the Senators could get Pinto so cheaply this season they won’t have to trade a roster player to fit him under the cap.

In yet another strange twist, the Senators happen to be in Pinto’s backyard Thursday evening, playing a game against the New York Islanders. Pinto is from Franklin Square, N.Y., a small town on Long Island.

Beyond the gambling violation, the contract and the business side of hockey, there is a human being who made a serious mistake in an environment that has made it easy to do so.

Gambling among young people is widespread and heavily promoted as a boost of adrenaline, and potential cash, while watching sports. The sudden, easy access to sports gambling is relatively recent in North America.

Because of that, we don’t have great data yet on what kind of issues we may be dealing with in 10 years time. There are concerns, however. Ontario recently passed legislation restricting athletes and celebrities from promoting gambling, although some sites are getting around this with "vintage" advertising of sports figures.

It was encouraging to hear the Senators underline their support for Pinto as well as a willingness to help him "address his issues" and return to becoming a contributing member of the community.

Pinto has an opportunity to play another role, besides the one he knows best as the skilled hockey hero who signs autographs. He can share his experiences down this other path, to which plenty of young people can learn from and relate.