Evander Kane, a forward for the San Jose Sharks, denied claims made by his wife on social media about him betting on NHL games against his team.
Kane replied Sunday morning to the allegations that were made against Anna via her Instagram account.
“I have NEVER gambled/bet on Hockey, NEVER gambled/bet on a Sharks game, NEVER gambled/bet on any of my games and NEVER thrown a hockey game,” he wrote on Twitter. “It’s a fact that I had the best season of my career and was the most consistent throughout any season. I’m proud. I love Hockey and wouldn’t do anything like what was alleged. I look forward and enjoy cooperating with the league’s investigation.
Saturday night, the NHL stated that it was aware of Anna Kane’s social media posts and will conduct an investigation.
Anna Kane wrote: How can the NHL allow a compulsive gambler to still play while he’s clearly playing games for money? This needs to be addressed.
She said: “Can someone ask Gary Bettman (Commissioner), how they allow a player to gamble on his own game?” You can win and bet with bookies on your own games.
Anna Kane, who also posted a separate article, accused her husband of lavishly partying in Europe and asked her to sell her wedding band to make ends meet. She also wrote about being unable to afford baby formula.
Evander Kane stated that the couple are currently going through a divorce, and called Anna Kane “mentally ill.”
He wrote, “I love my girl.” “I will always and always take care of my daughter in any way possible. I have made sure that her mother has everything she needs and more. I tried to calmly and civilly resolve our divorce problems and keep things as calm and civil as possible. FaceTime calls have been tried but I am not able to do so every day due to her mother’s restrictions. I have not been able to see her, and she has tried to use my daughter’s weakness as leverage. “I will always be there for my family. That goes without question.”
Anna Kane replied later on Instagram to say that she offered Kane to take time with her daughter, but Kane declined.
According to the NHL, “The integrity and fair play of our game is paramount. The League takes these allegations very seriously.”
In an email to The Associated Press, a team spokesperson stated that the San Jose Sharks had been in touch with the National Hockey League today regarding the serious allegations against Evander Kane. To preserve the integrity of the game, and to keep our team values consistent with the investigation, we support an open and transparent investigation.
Since long time, Kane’s gambling past and financial situation have been known. In 2019, a Las Vegas Strip casino sued Kane, claiming he failed to pay a $500,000 gambling loan accumulated during a playoff series against Golden Knights.
The Supreme Court has allowed sports gambling to be legalized in the United States. More states have since adopted it. Since then, the NHL has been open to the possibility and has formed partnerships with betting companies and sportsbooks.
When Bill Daly, the Deputy Commissioner of the League, was reached by email prior to the league’s announcements, Daly stated that a statement would not be forthcoming. The league stated that it would not make further comments at this point.
Kane, 29 years old, is now three seasons into a seven-year, $49 million contract. After being drafted by Atlanta/Winnipeg, where he made his debut, Kane is now with his third team. He has earned just $56 million in his NHL career, according to Capfriendly.
In 56 games last season, he scored 22 goals and provided 27 assists.
