Prosecutors announced Thursday that they will not bring rape charges against Chicago Blackhawks star Patrick Kane, citing a lack of credible evidence in a case “rife with reasonable doubt” and the accuser’s decision to no longer co-operate in the investigation.
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Now that Patrick Kane will not face sex assault charges, the Chicago Blackhawks star says he wants to focus on hockey – and not his behavior off the ice.
Erie County (N.Y.) District Attorney Frank A. Sedita III said in a statement Thursday that the matter would not be presented to a grand jury.
He adds that the complainant, after speaking with her lawyer, has decided not to move forward with a criminal prosecution saying she has since signed a Non-Prosecution Affidavit.
He reiterated he’s already released a statement in which he said he did not do anything wrong. “I have respected the legal process and I am glad that this matter has now been closed and I will have nothing further to say going forward”.
“You go through something like this you realize who your close friends are and who your supporters are”, Kane said Friday after the Hawks’ morning practice at the Prudential Center.
Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said it was a relief for Kane and the team that the case was dropped. Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said the league wouldn’t comment until reviewing the prosecutor’s findings.
Kane’s goal may have only made it 4-1, but it was his ninth straight game with at least one point and his fifth point in the last three games. Kaner approached it every day coming to the rink, good attitude, his focus was in the right place and he played well. “You know, as far as everything goes, I’m happy I’m playing hockey. That’s a very hard burden to bear”.
Kane said playing hockey helped him.
“The Chicago Blackhawks organization has taken this matter very seriously, and has tried to navigate a very sensitive situation while continually respecting the legal proceedings”.
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“After a thorough investigation, we agree with the district attorney. It’s something that we’re dealing with what we’re dealing with and we’re moving forward”.
