KANE SAYS HE DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT ASSAULT
Blackhawks star Patrick Kane said Friday he has participated in the investigation into allegations that a then-assistant coach sexually assaulted two players in 2010, adding that he did not know anything happened at the time.
“Obviously very serious allegations, and everyone knows that,” Kane said at the annual NHL/NHLPA preseason player media tour. “But I will say that I didn’t know anything about it at the time and did participate with the investigation.”
Kane’s comments were his first since the allegations came to light. The Blackhawks launched the investigation led by a former federal prosecutor and pledged to release the findings.
The three-time Stanley Cup champion said he also was unaware of homophobic bullying of one of his former teammates that ensued.
“Obviously disturbing,” Kane said. “You never want to hear that type of stuff. I feel for [someone making] those type of allegations. And hopefully it didn’t affect the player too much. But I’m sure when you’re hearing that type of stuff, obviously it could affect you deep down.”
NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said the Blackhawks investigation was proceeding but did not have a timeframe for when it would be completed. The team pledged to release the findings of the investigation, a decision the league supports.
“We probably would have supported the decision if it was different, if it was made for the right reasons,” Daly said. “Since these allegations arose, I think the Blackhawks as an organization have handled everything in the right way and they’ve taken the proper steps. We’ll see at the end of the day what comes of it.”
Two lawsuits were filed against the team earlier this year. The first alleges sexual assault by trainer Bradley Aldrich during the team’s run to the 2010 Stanley Cup title, and the second was filed by a former student whom Aldrich was later convicted of assaulting in Michigan.
COLLEGE BASKETBALL Underwood to receive extension
Illinois men’s basketball coach Brad Underwood reportedly will receive a one-year contract extension through the 2026-27 season. The contract, which is reportedly worth $25.6 million for the next six seasons, is pending approval by the university board of trustees at a meeting Thursday.
Terms of the deal were not released by Illinois in a statement Thursday, but the first four years are fully guaranteed, which would move Underwood’s total annual compensation into the top 10 nationally.
MISCELLANEOUS
Clippers break ground on new home
Steve Ballmer and the Clippers are ready to build their new home. The longawaited, $1.8 billion, privately funded arena officially got a name — Intuit Dome, it’ll be called when it opens in 2024, the team
making that announcement on the day of the formal groundbreaking ceremony. The practice facility, team offices for both business and basketball operations, retail space and more will all be on the site.
Maverick McNealy overcame three consecutive bogeys and holed out from 74 yards for eagle on the last hole for an 8-under 64 and a two-shot lead after the second round of the Fortinet Championship. Beau Hossler matched McNealy’s 64 and was tied with Mito Pereira (67). Three others were three shots back.