EA Sports Pulls Patrick Kane from NHL 16 Video Game After Rape Investigations

On Wednesday, Electronic Arts announced that they removed three-time Stanley cup winner, Chicago Blackhawks right wing Patrick Kane from the cover of its upcoming NHL 16 game, following recent rape allegations.

"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 company released in a statement on Wednesday. "He will not appear on the EA Sports NHL 16 cover, nor participate in other ... promotional activities."

Announced in June, the cover was originally slated to feature Kane alongside teammate and Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews. EA tweeted a revised version of the cover, which now showcases the team leader skating by his lonesome. He's certainly not lonely, though, as he raises the coveted cup proudly above his head. The anticipated game won't be delayed from its September 15 release date according to EA spokesman John Reseburg.

The Kane incident marks the first time EA has ever pulled a sports figure off of a game prior to release. However, there was a mishap in 2003 when Dany Heatley was replaced with Joe Sakic after a car crash that killed his teammate Dan Snyder. When the Tiger Woods infidelity saga began to unfold in November of 2009, most companies severed ties with the golfer except for EA.

Last week, police in Kane's area of Hamburg confirmed that they were investigating speculations of an incident that occurred in Kane's home during the first weekend in August. Kane has yet to be charged and according to Hamburg Police Chief Gregory Wickett, the status of the investigation has remained a constant. Information on the case could come as early as the next few days or as long as two months.

The 26-year-old right wing is in the midst of his eight-year, $84 million contract along with endorsement deals with McDonald's, Chevrolet, Gatorade and Bauer Hockey. McDonald's spokeswoman Heidi Barker said the company is "aware of the matter involving Patrick Kane," but that "it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time," ESPN notes.