NHL closes Patrick Kane investigation, calls sexual assault allegations 'unfounded'
The NHL called sexual assault allegations made against Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane "unfounded" as it announced in a press release Wednesday that it has officially ended its independent investigation into the matter.
"The National Hockey League announced today that it has completed its independent review of the Patrick Kane matter, the final stage of which included an in-person meeting between Kane and Commissioner Gary Bettman in New York on Monday, March 7," the press release said. "Based on its review, including the determination made by the Erie County District Attorney not to pursue charges, the NHL has concluded that the allegations made against Kane were unfounded. The League considers the matter closed and will have no further comment."
Police conducted a three-month investigation last fall into claims from a 21-year-old woman saying she was raped by Kane at his home in August. But the Erie County District Attorney's office announced in November it would not press charges due to both a lack of credible evidence in the case and the victim's decision not to move forward with criminal prosecution.
The league conducted an independent investigation into the accusations against Kane, although the specifics of how the investigation worked were never revealed. Kane was never arrested in relation to the allegations nor was he ever penalized in any way by the NHL.
NHL fans on Twitter had mixed reactions to the league's announcement Wednesday, especially when it came to the league's use of the word "unfounded."
@88PKane congrats Kaner on being absolved by @NHL and the authorities on that horrible incident over the summer. The truth delivered justice
— Chris Sweis (@coolbearcjs) March 9, 2016
Finally. Thanks @NHL Justice for @88PKane @NHLBlackhawks https://t.co/MdsAQ70Dza
— VoiceOfTheCollector (@VOTC) March 9, 2016
Kane leads the league in scoring with 89 points in 67 games. The Blackhawks star is featured on the cover of this week's Sports Illustrated magazine.
