The National Hockey League announced Monday that Evander Kane of the San Jose Sharks is on unpaid suspension following an investigation into his COVID-19 vaccination card.
In a news release, the NHL said Kane has been suspended for 21 regular-season games, without pay, for an established violation of the NHL/NHLPA COVID-19 protocol.
The NHL said that Kane’s forfeited pay goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund, which is part of the terms of the collective bargaining agreement.
The NHL's protocol requires players to be vaccinated against COVID-19 unless they have a medical or religious reason to be excluded from the mandate, CNN reported.
Front Office Sports and ESPN, which cited unnamed sources, said the investigation that led to Kane’s suspension was looking into whether he submitted a fraudulent vaccination card.
The league also announced that an investigation into domestic abuse allegations against Kane made by his estranged wife could not be substantiated.
In a statement through the NHL Players' Association, Kane admitted to making a mistake.
"I would like to apologize to my teammates, the San Jose Sharks organization, and all Sharks fans for violating the NHL COVID protocols," Kane said, as reported by CNN. "I made a mistake, one I sincerely regret and take responsibility for."
Kane also said that while he’s suspended, he will continue counseling “to help me make better decisions in the future.”
Kane will be suspended until at least Nov. 30.
