In a stunning disclosure on a recent podcast, Shane Pinto, forward for the Ottawa Senators, has finally explained the circumstances leading to his lengthy 41-game suspension, a decision that had previously fueled a flurry of memes and speculation across the hockey community.
Since the announcement last NHL season, fans were left puzzled by the severe penalty, especially given the vague reference to a breach of the NHL's gambling policy.
Pinto's revelation sheds light on the situation, confirming that although the bets were placed through a friend in the U.S., they did not directly involve NHL games.
This detail is particularly noteworthy given the league's increasing incorporation of gambling sponsorships on team jerseys and helmets, juxtaposing the strict punishment meted out to Pinto against its broader promotional strategies.