NHL Closes Patrick Kane Investigation, Calls Sexual Assault Allegations 'Unfounded'

The NHL announced Wednesday that Chicago Blackhawks star Patrick Kane will not face any disciplinary action from the league for the sexual assault allegations made against him in August. The league called the allegations "unfounded" and closed the matter after conducting its own independent review of the situation. Kane recently met with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman in a face-to-face meeting, which was part of the final stage of the investigation.

Here's the league's full statement:

— Michael Russo (@Russostrib)March 9, 2016

Erie County district attorney Frank A. Sedita announced in early November, three months into the investigation, that the four-time All-Star would not face criminal charges for the sexual assault allegations made by Kane's 21-year-old accuser. Citing a lack of credible evidence, Sedita said the case was "rife with reasonable doubt."

The accuser signed an affidavit to decline prosecution shortly after she stopped cooperating with authorities. She said the investigation was taking a toll on her and her family. The situation took a bizarre turn in September, when the accuser's alleged rape kit bag was delivered to her mom's doorsteps. Sedita described the incident as an elaborate hoax staged by the accuser's mom.

Kane, a frontrunner for the Hart Trophy, awarded to the league's most valuable player, leads the NHL in scoring with a career-high 89 points.