Kane Says He is Sorry, Now What?

The cab driver incident earlier this month involving Chicago Blackhawks' young star Patrick Kane has taken a few interesting turns since it was first reported. The 20-year-old Kane, and his cousin, allegedly punched the driver and took back money after he didn't have 20 cents change to give them. Kane was arrested and charged with robbery and other counts.

Well, both sides have said the incident was overblown. We don't know what more will come out of this on the legal side. Yet, what I know, is that this will remain on the minds of Kane fans across the country. Kane gave a public apology today as he begins the U.S. Olympic training camp. He is an upcoming star in the NHL, on a Blackhawks team that is one of the better stories this league has seen in a long time.

Chicago was one of the worst teams a few years ago, and now they are a talented team poised for another postseason berth following last season's semifinal appearance. Yet, this offseason has been far from a solid story. The Hawks' have dealt with all sorts of issues, and the Kane incident tops them all. This should not get Kane in too much legal trouble, I wouldn't think, but this cannot be overlooked.

Kane is sorry, but what does that mean? The idea of being in the "wrong place at the wrong time" has come up, but what does that mean? Both these things seem like childish responses to an immature act. That fits well because he is only 20 years old.

He will remain a top player in the NHL for years to come, he may become a U.S. Olympian, and he will still help lead the Blackhawks to more playoff appearances. Yet, he is not a captain like fellow young Chicago star Jonathan Toews is, that is for sure.

Kane is still learning what it takes to be a top athlete under the spotlight. This incident, even if nothing happens with it, is something that hurts his image very early in his career. No, he did not kill somebody or take part in a dog fighting ring, but this is still another example of an athlete that needs to grow up.

There are plenty of Chicago Blackhawks fans nowadays, young and old. Kane better understand that, and make sure he watches himself before being in "the wrong place at the wrong time."

Okay, Kane and the Blackhawks... Now I am Embarrassed

Patrick Kane was reportedly arrested early Sunday morning in Buffalo, NY on charges of theft of services, criminal mischief and robbery in the second degree. Kane and his cousin were taken into police custody at about 5 a.m ET after an incident with a cab driver, according to reports. Reports also say he acted this way after the driver did not have 20 cents change to give him.

This has definitely been a wild offseason for the Chicago Blackhawks. There have been demotions in the front office, a president getting booed at his own convention, and a prized free-agent acquisition that will be out for a few months with injury.

If all is true with this report of Patrick Kane getting arrested on theft charges, then I am embarrassed. The Chicago Blackhawks should be embarrassed. The NHL should be embarrassed. I have laughed off every other story, but this is no laughing matter.

The Blackhawks feature some of the top, new faces in the NHL that have started to bring the league some more popularity. Patrick Kane is one of the faces of the franchise, and along with names like Crosby, Malkin, and Ovechkin, he is also one of the faces of the league.

He has been known to be a mature 20-year-old athlete, but just as it is with many athletes these days, it is hard to get by without some issue surrounding the people you root for every day.

You can laugh off a front-office demotion or an injury to a free-agent signed for the next decade. There is no laughing off this, if it is true.