NHL Suspends Player for 21 Games Over Fake COVID-19 Vaccination Card

Evander Kane #9 of the San Jose Sharks in action against the Pittsburgh Penguins at SAP Center on February 29, 2020 in San Jose, California. Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

The National Hockey League (NHL) has suspended San Jose Sharks forward Evander Kane for 21 games for allegedly using a fake COVID-19 vaccination card.

The Monday announcement noted Kane will be suspended without pay and is ineligible to return until Nov. 30.

“The NHL has advised our organization that Evander Kane has been suspended without pay for 21 games for an established violation of, and lack of compliance with, the NHL/NHLPA COVID-19 Protocols.

“While we are encouraged by Evander’s commitment to moving forward, we are extremely disappointed by his disregard for the health and safety protocols put in place by the NHL and the NHLPA.

“We will not be commenting further on Evander’s status prior to the conclusion of the NHL’s mandated suspension,” the Sharks issued in a statement Monday.

The National Hockey League Players’ Association also released a statement on behalf of Kane on Monday per his request.

“I would like to apologize to my teammates, the San Jose Sharks organization, and all Sharks fans for violating the NHL COVID protocols. I made a mistake, one I sincerely regret and take responsibility for,” Kane said in the statement.

“During my suspension, I will continue to participate in counseling to help me make better decisions in the future.  When my suspension is over, I plan to return to the ice with great effort, determination, and love for the game of hockey,” he added.

The use of a fake COVID-19 vaccine card is not only against NHL rules. The use of an inauthentic vaccination card is illegal in both the United States and Canada.

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigations, submitting a fake vaccination card is a misuse of a government seal. A single offense could result in a $5,000 fine or five years in prison.

The violation is not Kane’s only recent controversy. In September, the NHL investigated whether the Sharks forward had bet on league games following allegations by his wife.

The claims were later dismissed following the league’s investigation.

“The investigation uncovered no evidence to corroborate Ms. Kane’s accusations that Mr. Kane bet or otherwise participated in gambling on NHL games, and no evidence to corroborate the allegations that Mr. Kane ‘threw’ games or did not put forward his best effort to help the Sharks win games,” the league said in a statement.

“To the contrary, the evidence raises doubts about the veracity of the allegations,” it added.

“How does the NHL let a compulsive gambling addict still play when he’s obviously throwing games to win money? Hmm maybe someone needs to address this,” his wife had reportedly written on social media.