Blackhawks' Patrick Kane 'Glad' To Put Rape Case Behind Him, Won't Comment Further

(CBS) A few hours after news broke that prosecutors in western New York won't pursue rape charges against him stemming from an allegation in August, Blackhawks star Patrick Kane said he was "glad" the case is behind him and that he won't comment on it any further.

"I have repeatedly said that I did nothing wrong," Kane said in a statement released by the team. "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."

As they have all along, the Blackhawks expressed support for Kane.

"We respect the announcement today by the Erie County (N.Y.) District Attorney regarding Patrick Kane," the team said in a statement. "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."

Silence has largely been a theme from Kane throughout this ordeal, which came about after a woman accused Kane of raping her in the early morning hours of Aug. 2 in his home near Buffalo. Kane never spoke to investigators about the case, and other than declaring his innocence, he hasn't said much about the case.

It's within the NHL's power to still suspend Kane under a conduct clause, though that appears unlikely. To date, the league has approved of how the Blackhawks have handled the situation.

Kane's accuser could still file a civil lawsuit against Kane. She has hired an attorney who specializes in personal injury cases, the Chicago Tribune reported.

Chicago next plays at New Jersey on Friday. Kane will likely be asked about the criminal case coming to a close, though it doesn't appear he'll have much else to say.