Buffalo, New York (especially my old neighborhood) went crazy when local hockey great Patrick Kane signed a 3 year contract in 2007 with the Chicago Blackhawks to a tune of $3.725 million (USD)a season(after bonuses of course.) Buffalo was elated, a local boy made good on his talents and would be able to show what a native of a small but hard working Western New York city could be capable of.
And make his hometown proud he did. Kane had his first goal and first shootout against another former Buffalo legend Dominik Hasek on October 4, 2007. Kane was named Rookie of the month in October, 2007 after scoring 5 goals and having 11 assists in twelve games.
The accolades continue, on December 15, 2007 Kane returned to Buffalo for a regular season game against the team he grew up watching, a sold out crowd of 18,500 cheering fans filled the arena with applause in a pre game ceremony welcoming Kane back to Buffalo. Although the Blackhawks lost, Kane scored the only Chicago goal in the 3-1 game.
An impressive career was in the making. Kane finished the 2008 season receiving the Calder Memorial Trophy which is dedicated to the league’s best rookie. Kane also helped take his team to the playoffs for the first time since 1995.
He finished his first two seasons with the NHL with 46 goals and 96 assists averaging him 71 points a season. It was also announced in May 2009 that Kane would be honored with gracing the cover of EA Sports’ NHL 10. It was also rumored that on Wednesday August 16, 2009 Kane was supposed to join the US Olympic team who are currently preparing for the up coming games.
However…
On August 9, 2009 it was announced that 20 year old Patrick Kane and his 21 year old cousin James Kane were arrested at five Sunday morning for Felony robbery, theft of services and criminal mischief.
Kane and his cousin caught a taxi from Buffalo’s bustling Chippewa District after what was presumably a long night of partying. The fare which they were charged was $13.80. This is where things get a little clouded. Kane allegedly gave the taxi driver fifteen dollars. The driver informed the young men he did not have twenty cents to give them as change and attempted give only a dollar of their $1.20 change back.
Not much is known about why twenty cents has led to the alleged altercation. But it is being reported by the Buffalo Police that the 62 year old cab driver was then physically assaulted by Kane and his cousin. The driver received minor cuts, broken glasses and possibly a broken nose.
No comment has been made by Kane’s agent or family and his team has only acknowledged that they are aware of the allegations against Kane and that they stand behind him fully.
Now let’s analyze the situation for a second. Patrick Kane, a twenty year old Multi Millionaire professional athlete and his twenty-one year cousin assault a senior citizen over twenty cents and is facing felony charges and Gary Bettman isn’t flying off the handle about this? All I can say is Kane better be glad he is a NHL player and not an NFL athlete. Roger Goodell would be throwing the proverbial (and possibly physical) book at him.
But in the end it will come down to what it usually does, a slap on the wrist, some public apology, some community service and an out of court settlement. Pampered athletes continue to reap the benefits of a broken and corrupt system which favors celebrities and the rich. Let’s face it; if this was you or I, we would be looking at some possibly serious punishment.
Until Next Time Kids…
Mac The Bartender
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