Patrick Kane May Not Be Totally In The Clear, Even If Charges Do Not Materialize: Experts
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Could the end be near?
Unidentified sources have told the Buffalo News that the rape investigation surrounding Blackhawks star Patrick Kane could soon be coming to an end.
But as CBS 2's Marissa Bailey reports, that wouldn't necessarily mean Kane goes unpunished.
From hoisting the Stanley Cup to defending his innocence, the past few months have been a roller coaster for Kane. A woman who Kane partied with on the night of Aug. 2 claims Kane raped her at his upstate New York home near Buffalo.
Separate sources say no criminal charges will be filed, the Buffalo News reported over the weekend, and the case could be administratively dismissed. But a local sports attorney says even if criminal charges aren't filed, Kane could still be punished.
"The Chicago Blackhawks, the NHL still may do their own independent investigation, which may lead to some sort of discipline or suspension of Patrick Kane," Exavier Pope says.
Any announcement that the case is closed would come from the Erie County (N.Y.) District Attorney Frank Sedita.
"What they will say is 'We're closing down the investigation' -- that's about the best you're going to hear," CBS 2 Legal Analyst Irv Miller says. "I suspect in this particular case, he'll do that publicly."
A source tells CBS 2 that Wednesday is the earliest we'd hear from Sedita. Even if the investigation ends, Miller says the alleged victim could still file a suit in civil court.
Kane has had a strong start to this season, recording 14 points (six goals, eight assists) in 11 games for the Blackhawks, who are 6-5-0. Those 14 points are tied for fourth-most in the NHL entering play Monday.
