Patrick Kane's Grand Jury Investigation Has Been Rescheduled

By Kate Shepherd in News on Sep 10, 2015 9:35PM

Patrick Kane warms up on the ice in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

A grand jury in Erie County, New York is expected to resume proceedings in the Patrick Kane sexual assault investigation, possibly in about two weeks, according to the Tribune.

Proceedings were scheduled to being Tuesday afternoon but were abruptly canceled for unknown reasons. Kane's attorney Paul Cambria told the Tribune that he does not know why it was postponed on Tuesday but he has been informed that the grand jury will be rescheduled.

The alleged victim and the friend who was with her at Kane's home on Aug. 2 were supposed to testify that afternoon, the Tribune reported. At least five witnesses and the accuser, who is continuing to cooperate with the investigation, are expected to testify before the grand jury when it begins.

Kane met the two women at Buffalo's Skybar on the night of Aug. 1 and reportedly invited them to his lakefront house in nearby Hamburg for a private party, according to reports. The accuser claims Kane raped her in his home during the early morning hours of Aug. 2.

No settlement talks have occurred between Kane's lawyers and the accuser despite widespread reports that the talks were delaying the grand jury, according to Buffalo NBC affiliate WGRZ anchor and reporter Scott Levin.

It's not uncommon for Erie County District Attorney Frank Sedita III to present cases before a grand jury, especially in high-profile investigations, according to the Tribune. Sedita's known for his cautious approach and will use a grand jury even in cases where he doesn't intend to bring charges.

The NHL is watching the legal process play out before making a decision on Kane’s uncertain future, league commissioner Gary Bettman told the Canadian Press Tuesday.

"Obviously when a player is involved in something like Patrick Kane is subject to right now in terms of the authorities investigating, it's unfortunate, it's a terrible thing, but we're going to have to watch the process play out and at the appropriate time we'll make whatever decisions have to be made at the time," he told the Canadian Press.

He also has not attempted to speak to Kane since the sexual assault investigation started in early August.

"Nobody is going to talk to us," Bettman told The Associated Press on Wednesday. "When you're being investigated, you're focused on that from law enforcement and you're not going to be dealing with third parties."

It is not clear whether Kane will be at Blackhawks training camp when it starts on Sept. 18. The grand jury delay could possibly further complicate his status.

The investigation has taken a toll on the Blackhawks star, who hasn't been able to go to the ice rink or have a normal life, his agent Pat Brisson told ESPN on Tuesday.

Brisson said he believes Kane is innocent.

"I totally believe [Kane]," Brisson said to ESPN. "He's always been honest with me. I've known him for a long time. I've been doing this a long time as a sports agent. You get to know people and get to know the character of an individual. Spending more time with Patrick over this situation, I do believe he is innocent."