Patrick Kane Makes a Fourth Public Apology for His Drunken Behavior

[ COMMENTARY ]

Kane remains the focus of an investigation into rape allegations made by a young woman in August.

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

His awkward phrasing notwithstanding, this has been a confusing, muddled, infuriating time for the Blackhawks as management waits to learn whether their star — a young man whose name was once mentioned in the same reverential breath as Stan Mikita’s and Bobby Hull’s — will be charged with a felony crime.

Kane has helped the team win three Stanley Cup championships. At the same time, he’s embarrassed himself and the team several times with his drunken, loutish behavior. This time, it’s possible that behavior may have ended in a heinous act.

Even with that, a grim-faced McDonough told reporters that, after much speculation and uncertainty, the Blackhawks made a “calculated” decision to bring Kane into training camp.

Many thought he shouldn’t be there. And it’s possible even if he’s not charged with a crime, the NHL could sanction him.

Kane and McDonough spoke from South Bend, home of the University of Notre Dame, a university whose patron saint is none other than the blessed Virgin Mary. Training camp begins here on Friday. Kane hasn’t spoken to the news media since a rape allegation was lodged against him in early August in his hometown of Hamburg, New York, where he met a 21-year-old woman at a bar and took her to his home after a night of drinking.

The woman told police he bit her, scratched her and forced himself on her. She immediately went to a hospital where rape tests were performed.

This isn’t the first time the boyish superstar has issued a public apology.

And it’s not the second time, either.

In 2009, Kane publicly apologized for his role in drunkenly beating up a New York taxi cab driver. In 2012, Kane publicly apologized for his off-ice behavior, particularly his drunkenness at a Cinco de Mayo celebration in Wisconsin. In 2013, Kane publicly apologized for his “party-hard past” and through tears said he was sorry he disappointed his parents with his drunken antics.

Now, in 2015, in the wake of a summer during which Chicago hockey fans and the Blackhawks should have been celebrating yet another championship, another reason for Chicago to be proud, Kane is publicly apologizing. Again.

Patrick Kane — the boy who cried “I’m sorry.”

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