EA Sports Pulls Patrick Kane From Cover of NHL 16 Amid Investigation

The sports video game company EA Sports announced Wednesday it is dropping Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane as spokesperson for the launch of EA Sports NHL 16 in light of the recent investigation into an incident that allegedly occurred at Kane's New York home.

NBC has not confirmed independent details of the investigation and Kane has not been charged with a crime. 

Kane was set to appear on the cover of NHL 16 with team captain Jonathan Toews. The photo was supposed to show the two of them holding up the Stanley Cup.

"In light of the ongoing investigation involving Patrick Kane, he will no longer be a spokesperson for the launch of EA SPORTS NHL 16," the statement reads. "He will not appear on the EA SPORTS NHL 16 cover nor participate in other EA SPORTS NHL 16 promotional activities." 

The new cover of the NHL 16 will show Toews alone with the Cup.

The Chicago Blackhawks released a statement Wednesday following EA Sports' decision.

"We are aware of the decision today by EA SPORTS to change the cover art on EA SPORTS NHL 16, based on their timetable for production and launch of the video game. We have no further comment," the statement read.

The Buffalo News reported last week that law enforcement sources say Kane is the focus of an investigation into an allegation of rape.

Hamburg Police confirmed Friday that the department is looking into an incident that allegedly happened at Kane's home the weekend of Aug. 1.

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