Chicago Blackhawks star Patrick Kane is reportedly under investigation in Buffalo for an alleged sexual assault and now the forward may be in risk of losing numerous sponsorships and other deals as the police continue their investigation, as EA Sports has announced that Kane will no longer be the cover athlete for the "NHL 16" video game.
Kane reportedly is under investigation by the Town of Hamburg Police Department regarding an "alleged rape incident," according to the Buffalo News. The report writes that sources have said that "a local woman" is accusing Kane of sexual assault and that the incident occurred after the two met at a bar in the Buffalo area. The police released a statement last week that they were investigation "an incident that allegedly occurred" at Kane's home in the Buffalo area.
The Globe and Mail reported last week that Kane has hired a lawyer and the Associated Press confirmed the story. Paul Cambria was reportedly hired by Kane and he previously has represented Kane, including when he had another off the ice incident in Buffalo. In that situation, Kane was accused of assaulting a cab driver over some money. Kane later "pleaded guilty to a noncriminal charge of disorderly conduct," according to ESPN.com.
The Buffalo News has been out front on the story and the outlet is reporting that the alleged victim in the incident had a rape kit taken at a local hospital. The paper also reports that sources said that the woman "had a bite mark on her shoulder and scratch marks on her legs." The incident reportedly occurred after the woman and a friend went back to Kane's home after meeting at a "popular local bar" in the area.
Katie Strang at ESPN reports that sponsors have been watching the situation with Kane and that Bauer Hockey and McDonald's are "also monitoring investigation." In another development, EA Sports announced on Twitter that Kane would not be on the cover of the new NHL 16 video game and that he would not be involved in the promotion of that game moving forward.
Kane just won his third Stanley Cup and he was planning to celebrate with the Cup around Buffalo, but the public appearances were later cancelled. Last season Kane had 64 points in 61 games with 27 goals and 37 assists.
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