Patrick Kane removed from EA NHL 16 cover after rape allegations
EA Sports is removing Blackhawks winger Patrick Kane from the cover of NHL 16 in response to the recent allegations of sexual assault against him, EA Sports announced Wednesday.
“In light of the ongoing investigation involving Patrick Kane, he will no longer be a spokesperson for the launch of EA Sports NHL 16,” EA Sports NHL wrote in its Twitter account. “He will not appear on the EA Sports NHL 16 cover nor participate in other EA Sports NHL 16 promotional activities.”
Kane was slated to appear on the cover of the game alongside teammate Jonathan Toews. Kane also appeared on the 2010 edition of the game.
Kane is the subject of an ongoing rape investigation, but has not been officially charged with a crime.
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Dan Herbeck of The Buffalo Newsreported that a woman has alleged that Kane followed her into a room, overpowered her and raped her after a party at Kane's home. The victim emerged with bite marks on her shoulders and a scratch on her leg after the alleged attack, Herbeck reported.
Last week, the Blackhawks released a statement saying, “We are aware of the matter and are in the process of gathering information. It would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.”
Update at 12:30 p.m. ET: EA Sports released the new cover of NHL 16.