Buffalo, N.Y. Report: Kane's Alleged Victim Had Visible Injuries
(CBS) – The woman at the center of a rape allegation against Blackhawks player Patrick Kane had bite marks on her shoulders and a scratch on her leg after the alleged attack last weekend in upstate New York, according to a news report published Sunday.
The Buffalo News, which helped break the story about the rape allegation, cited sources with knowledge of the case in describing the victim's injuries.
Kane has not been charged with wrongdoing. Hamburg, N.Y. police officials on Friday confirmed they have opened an investigation, which includes analyzing forensic evidence, into "an incident that allegedly occurred at the residence of NHL player Patrick Kane."
Numerous reports say Kane and the alleged victim were at the hockey star's lakefront home when the attack is supposed to have occurred. The victim reportedly met Kane at a Buffalo night club beforehand.
Kane, 26, had the Stanley Cup with him Saturday, but canceled public events in his hometown, presumably because of the media frenzy and seriousness of the accusation. He has retained a defense lawyer, who has declined comment.
The popular No. 88 is considered one of the National Hockey League's premier players, but Kane has had trouble with the law in the past—a fight with a cab driver in 2009—and is perceived by some as a "bad boy" for his off-the-ice behavior. The new allegations against him by far are the most serious he has faced.
Kane has been part of Blackhawks teams that have won three national championships since 2010. Some fans have said Kane should not be judged before the investigation is completed.
The Chicago Tribune quoted Blackhawks owner Rocky Wirtz on Sunday as saying he's "disappointed but hopeful" about the investigation of his player. Wirtz was picking up the Stanley Cup in north suburban Chicago in advance of taking the trophy around the North Shore. He declined any further comment.
