'I Did Nothing Wrong,' Says Patrick Kane. 'I Am Glad This Matter Has Now Been Closed'

Now that the case has been closed without charges, without a grand jury, Chicago Blackhawks star Patrick Kane released his final word on the rape allegations:

“I have repeatedly said that I did nothing wrong,” reads a statement issued through the Blackhawks. “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.”

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Kane did not speak with investigators during the three-month investigation, which commenced on Aug. 2 in the hours immediately after a 21-year-old woman left his Hamburg, N.Y., mansion after a night of drinking at Buffalo-area bars and claimed that the 26-year-old hockey star raped her in his bedroom.

She had bite marks on her shoulders and a scratch on her leg. Kane’s DNA was found on her shoulders but not in her undergarments or anywhere below her waist, according to Buffalo News reports, citing sources close to the investigation.

The Blackhawks also issued a statement:

“We respect the announcement today by the Erie County (N.Y.) District Attorney regarding Patrick Kane. 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. At this time we will have no further comment.”

While privately dismayed and disappointed with Kane’s behavior, which put him in this situation, the Blackhawks have supported him publicly. Despite calls to keep him out of training camp from some in the sports press and rape-victim advocates, Kane attended camp. He spoke at a press conference prior to camp.

“I cannot apologize enough for the distraction this has caused my family, my teammates, this incredible organization and, of course, our fans,” Kane said in September. “I am confident that once all the facts are brought to light I will be absolved of having done nothing wrong.”

The investigation nonetheless proved costly to Kane. He was to appear on the cover of the NHL 16 video game, along with Jonathan Toews hoisting the Stanley Cup.

The Patrick Kane Saga

• Patrick Kane: ‘My Family’s Been Awesome. My Girlfriend’s Been Great’
• Patrick Kane ‘Rape-Kit Evidence Bag’ a ‘Hoax’ by the Mom: Prosecutor
• Attorney for Patrick Kane’s Accuser Drops His Client
• Trading Kane: Will ‘Volcanically Outraged’ Blackhawks Management Send Patrick Kane Away?
• Patrick Kane’s Lawyer vs. the Erie County District Attorney
• What Patrick Kane’s Chauffeur, an Off-Duty Cop, Says He Saw That Night
• Patrick Kane Dropped from NHL 16 Video Game Cover
• The Buffalo News Taken to Task for ‘Victim-Blaming’ Quotes
• Patrick Kane’s Accuser Had ‘Bite Marks’ on Her Shoulders: Report
• Situation ‘Ominous’ and ‘Heinous,’ says Reporter Who Broke Story
• Patrick Kane’s Saturday with the Stanley Cup
• Rocky Wirtz and Blackhawks Feel ‘Anger, Disappointment, Sadness’
• Rape Accusation Leads Cops to Investigate Blackhawks’ Patrick Kane
• Patrick Kane’s Weekend According to Social Media