Blackhawks RW Patrick Kane is "expected to take part in training camp," which begins tomorrow at the Univ. of Notre Dame, in a move that "came as a surprise from the image-conscious" franchise, according to Chris Hine of the CHICAGO TRIBUNE. Kane has "been under investigation for an alleged sexual assault that reportedly occurred last month at his gated mansion" near Buffalo. A grand jury is "expected to hear evidence in the case later this month." Under the "standard morals clause that is typical in all NHL contracts," the Blackhawks may "have latitude to suspend Kane." NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman also "can suspend Kane under the league’s collective bargaining agreement with the players’ union." A source said that Notre Dame was "not happy over the prospect of having images or video of Kane skating at the school’s Compton Family Ice Arena with the Notre Dame logo and signage in the background" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 9/17). USA TODAY's Kevin Allen writes under the header, "Kane Saga Puts Blackhawks In Bad Spot."
BENCH HIM: In Chicago, David Haugh writes until law-enforcement officials "determine no charges will be filed," the Blackhawks "shouldn't risk the possibility that the player they allow in uniform ... still might be a criminal defendant or, worse, guilty." Taking a "business-as-usual approach with Kane's legal status still murky threatens to portray the Hawks as a win-at-all-costs franchise that helped enable an elite hockey player with, at best, maturity issues." It is "an unsettling depiction of the franchise a hockey city has come to know and respect" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 9/17). ESPN CHICAGO's Jon Greenberg writes it is "inarguable that Kane brings a dark cloud with him to South Bend." Kane "shouldn’t be there." The issue of whether Kane attends training camp "shouldn’t be the Blackhawks’ call." Greenberg: "It should be the NHL’s decision, though I’m guessing the team is desperate for clarity as the rest of us" (ESPNCHICAGO.com, 9/17).
LET HIM SKATE: In Chicago, Rick Morrissey writes it is "only fair" that Kane is allowed to participate in training camp, and "unless something has drastically changed with the legal process in this country, he should be free to proceed with his life." Until a grand jury decides to charge Kane, he "should be allowed to earn his living" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 9/17). Also in Chicago, Mike Imrem writes Kane "should be permitted to report to camp because he's presumed innocent unless found guilty." As "awkward as it is, permitting Kane to participate in training camp seems like the way to go right now" (Chicago DAILY HERALD, 9/17).
