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The NHL has concluded its gambling investigation of Evander Kane, saying Wednesday it had found no evidence the San Jose Sharks forward was betting on NHL games.
The investigation, which was conducted by Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP, in conjunction with NHL Security, was sparked by allegations in social media posts by Kane’s wife Deanna. The couple recently started divorce proceedings.
“The investigation found no evidence to corroborate Ms. Kane’s accusations that Mr. Kane wagered or gambled on NHL games, and no evidence to corroborate allegations that Mr. Kane would have ‘thrown’ games or failed to do their best to help the Sharks win games, “the NHL said in a statement.” On the contrary, the evidence raises doubts as to the veracity of the allegations.
As the NHL considers this “specific matter closed,” the league has said it reserves the right to investigate any new information related to the gambling charges. The league also said it has opened an investigation into Kane for ” unrelated allegations of potential wrongdoing that have come to the attention of the league ”. The NHL has not elaborated further on this subject.
Later Wednesday, the Sharks released a statement regarding the new investigation and announced that Kane would not be attending training camp until further notice.
“The Sharks are aware of additional allegations unrelated to the National Hockey League’s initial investigation of Evander Kane,” the team said. “We take the allegations very seriously and have been in contact with the NHL. The league will continue to have our full cooperation with the ongoing investigation.”
Earlier Wednesday, Front Office Sports reported that an application for a domestic violence prohibition order filed by Deanna Kane this week included allegations of sexual assault and domestic violence. Evander Kane’s attorney wrote in a statement to Front Office Sports that “Evander denies abusing Ms. Kane or their daughter.”
According to the NHL, the investigation into the gambling charges included a detailed examination of social media, public data and court records – both of Kane’s bankruptcy proceedings and his ongoing divorce proceedings. The survey included a review of sports betting data and analysis provided by Sportradar, as well as in-person and virtual interviews with members of the Sharks organization and Kane. Deanna Kane “declined to participate in the investigation,” according to the NHL.
In an interview with ESPN’s Linda Cohn last week, Kane categorically denied accusations that he wagered or started his own games, but admitted to having a gambling addiction which led to massive personal debt. Kane told Cohn that he sought professional help for his gambling addiction.
In a January bankruptcy filing, Evander Kane listed $ 1.5 million in gambling debt.
The Sharks open training camp this week. Kane, 30, is entering the fourth year of a seven-year contract that earns him $ 7 million a year.
In his interview with Cohn, Kane brought up reports that his teammates did not want him back. He said he “didn’t know or necessarily believe” that there was friction with his teammates that the Sharks would part ways with him.
“I have heard rumors that I will be traded,” Kane told Cohn. “Well I have a [no-trade] list they can only swap me to and I haven’t even been asked, so I’m not swapped. And I would know first. “
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