The assertion that we can't come to educated conclusions prior to a legal process playing out is ludicrous. For one, the notion that a criminal proceeding (or lack thereof) is a barometer for the truth is false. Bill Cosby has not been convicted of a crime, yet unless you believe in a giant, far-reaching conspiracy against him, it's almost guaranteed that he committed at least some of the assaults of which he's been accused.

Second, we can often view available evidence and come to a determination about what likely happened. Prior to Voynov's plea deal, it was extremely likely from all available evidence--the type of injuries, statements given to police, the observations of EMTs, etc--that he beat his wife. Whereas the rape accusations against Doughty a couple years back did not suggest a high likelihood of guilt.

As for Kane, there is not enough information out there to speculate AT THE MOMENT--until I hear/read more, I will put this accusation in the same realm as the one against Doughty. But if evidence starts to emerge that pushes the needle closer to 'likely,' I reserve the right to say, "I hope he didn't do it, but it's not looking good."
- DonzoBean

What he's saying is in this instance he'd rather be accurate than first.

Otherwise, I think you raise valid points.

And running a car into a tim horton while drunk.
- Alexzanki

Was an established fact, which is why it's different.

What he's saying is in this instance he'd rather be accurate than first.

Otherwise, I think you raise valid points.
- nfph

When does the latter happen?

And running a car into a tim horton while drunk.
- Alexzanki

Should warrant a suspension without pay for at least 10 games.

“We can neither confirm nor deny the existence or nonexistence of a criminal investigation until such a time as a person is charged with a crime,” Hamburg Police Chief Gregory Wickett told the news outlet.

- WKBW 7 News

Proof is for the courts. Knowing what we know about Kane, I'm pretty comfortable with forming an opinion.

Needless to say, this thread is being watched closely - by me and others. I'd tread lightly.

according to ESPN police went to Kane's house on Sunday. I wonder if the police are building a case against him since its just coming out now.

Was an established fact, which is why it's different.
- nfph

But will ROR be getting punished for it? If not, what deterrent is there to prevent him from doing it again (or other players doing something similar)?

I really hope the allegations aren't true.

If this does turn out to be true it will be interesting to see how the NHL and the Blackhawks choose to deal with it. Has there been a case similar to what is being insinuated here as a reference for how the NHL will react?

But will ROR be getting punished for it? If not, what deterrent is there to prevent him from doing it again (or other players doing something similar)?
- jfkst1

Not sure I follow here. Punished by whom?

If this does turn out to be true it will be interesting to see how the NHL and the Blackhawks choose to deal with it. Has there been a case similar to what is being insinuated here as a reference for how the NHL will react?
- freelancer

They will wait and let the legal system do what it needs to do first.

Not sure I follow here. Punished by whom?
- nfph

The league.

I understand what you are doing here. And to some extent, I respect it. However, allegations of this sort are the wrong time to do so. Stand up for Mike Richards and his job-related drug problems, please. Please don't play the "innocent until proven guilty" card, it's a farce. Finally, allegations like this should always be taken with the utmost seriousness. Yeah, it's nice to trot out the UVA thing. However, most sexual assaults go unreported, and most that are reported are either not taken seriously OR not prosecuted for one reason or another. Sexual assault is not a new problem - it's not only a problem for athletes either - it is part of the basic and underlying oppression of women in our society. An oppression that is made possible by centuries of the cards being stacked against them.

Like I said, I get what you are trying to do here, but choose your moments to stand up for the athlete more carefully.

The league.
- jfkst1

Oh, I have no idea obviously. The deterrent may come from, say, losing his license, having to explain this every time he needs to cross the border, embarrassing news cycles, and so on. If the league saw fit to suspend him a few games on top, they'd be within their rights.

If this does turn out to be true it will be interesting to see how the NHL and the Blackhawks choose to deal with it. Has there been a case similar to what is being insinuated here as a reference for how the NHL will react?
- freelancer

15 years ago you could probably be convicted of sexual assualt, serve whatever sentence is handed down, and then resume your hockey career if you're fit to play. Current day, not a chance. If anyone in the NHL is convicted of that sort of thing now their career is likely over.

But will ROR be getting punished for it? If not, what deterrent is there to prevent him from doing it again (or other players doing something similar)?
- jfkst1

no punishment for Khabibulin, Pavelec, or even Belfour for his off the ice drunken incidents

according to ESPN police went to Kane's house on Sunday. I wonder if the police are building a case against him since its just coming out now.
- doppelthat

Not good if police come to you to talk, 4 days go by then you're asked to come down to the police station.

Agreed. Very well said. It is a sad situation all around. Kanes reputation has taken another massive hit no matter what the outcome, all because of tweets and social media.
- ImThatGuy

umm no, not because of tweets and media, because he is being investigated for rape

Sooo....Any Blackhawks rumours?

I understand what you are doing here. And to some extent, I respect it. However, allegations of this sort are the wrong time to do so. Stand up for Mike Richards and his job-related drug problems, please. Please don't play the "innocent until proven guilty" card, it's a farce. Finally, allegations like this should always be taken with the utmost seriousness. Yeah, it's nice to trot out the UVA thing. However, most sexual assaults go unreported, and most that are reported are either not taken seriously OR not prosecuted for one reason or another. Sexual assault is not a new problem - it's not only a problem for athletes either - it is part of the basic and underlying oppression of women in our society. An oppression that is made possible by centuries of the cards being stacked against them.

Like I said, I get what you are trying to do here, but choose your moments to stand up for the athlete more carefully.
- ritns028

Word.

I understand what you are doing here. And to some extent, I respect it. However, allegations of this sort are the wrong time to do so. Stand up for Mike Richards and his job-related drug problems, please. Please don't play the "innocent until proven guilty" card, it's a farce. Finally, allegations like this should always be taken with the utmost seriousness. Yeah, it's nice to trot out the UVA thing. However, most sexual assaults go unreported, and most that are reported are either not taken seriously OR not prosecuted for one reason or another. Sexual assault is not a new problem - it's not only a problem for athletes either - it is part of the basic and underlying oppression of women in our society. An oppression that is made possible by centuries of the cards being stacked against them.

Like I said, I get what you are trying to do here, but choose your moments to stand up for the athlete more carefully.
- ritns028

Well said...

I understand what you are doing here. And to some extent, I respect it. However, allegations of this sort are the wrong time to do so. Stand up for Mike Richards and his job-related drug problems, please. Please don't play the "innocent until proven guilty" card, it's a farce. Finally, allegations like this should always be taken with the utmost seriousness. Yeah, it's nice to trot out the UVA thing. However, most sexual assaults go unreported, and most that are reported are either not taken seriously OR not prosecuted for one reason or another. Sexual assault is not a new problem - it's not only a problem for athletes either - it is part of the basic and underlying oppression of women in our society. An oppression that is made possible by centuries of the cards being stacked against them.

Like I said, I get what you are trying to do here, but choose your moments to stand up for the athlete more carefully.
- ritns028

Great post.