After delivering brief remarks, Kane addressed several questions from reporters, though he avoided answering most questions that related in any way to the case or his personal situation. “I can not apologize enough for the distraction this has caused my family, my team”.
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Kane replied, “Uh hey Mark, I appreciate the question and I wish I could answer those questions right now, um, but there is a legal matter going on that I just – I can’t answer that”.
“Based on what I know, Patrick Kane will be at camp tomorrow”, Kane’s agent, Pat Brisson, wrote in a text message to The Associated Press on Wednesday after Chicago released its camp roster.
Kane is accused of assaulting a woman last month at his home near his hometown of Buffalo, New York.
Buffalo native Patrick Kane publicly apologized Thursday during a live press conference with the Chicago Blackhawks. My body feels really good. He said if it was him who was working the case, either as the prosecutor or the defense, (he) would say that guy’s a witness now because he’s been told – he even came out and said he’s been told what’s going on.
And after that, when questioned about the decision to attend training camp: “I’d love to get in front of them and face them, but this isn’t the right time to do it”.
Asked once whether the incident will prompt him to stop drinking, Kane offered the same response. The legal process will decide the future of Kane.
Kane and Blackhawks team president John McDonough both spoke to the media on Thursday afternoon, addressing the situation and attempting to justify why Kane was present.
“I’m excited to be here at camp just like all the players”, he said.
Despite a flurry of questions at the media briefing, Kane declined to comment further on the matter. We recognize that Patrick Kane is dealing with a very serious situation. “We’re doing the best we can within the framework of what we can talk about today”. “I appreciate the question and where you’re coming from”.
Kane, the first overall pick in the 2007 National Hockey League Entry Draft who has helped the Hawks win three Stanley Cups in six seasons, has scored 205 goals in eight seasons.
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“Anything else that’s being talked about away from the rink is a non-factor for us”, said Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews. Which of course they haven’t respected by having Kane at camp.
