Search:

Firm News

On Tuesday, August 11, 2009, Timothy Liam Epstein, Chair of the firm's Sports Law Practice Group, appeared on Good Day Chicago. During the morning program, airing on Fox Chicago, Tim discussed the recent allegations against Chicago Blackhawks star winger, Patrick Kane.

Early Sunday morning, Patrick was arrested (along with his cousin) in Buffalo for allegedly beating a cab driver (Jan Radecki) and taking back the fare that they paid ($15). The charges against the Kane's are for Second Degree Robbery (per the NY Penal Code, punishment must be at least 3.5 years and not to exceed 15 years in jail, and a fine of up to $5,000), and Class A misdemeanor counts for Criminal Mischief and Theft of Services (punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a $1,000 fine). The police report (Felony Complaint and a Misdemeanor/Violation Information Sheet) states that the Kane's paid the $13.80 meter with $15, for which $1 in change was given. When the driver did not produce the additional 20 cents in change, the Kane's took the $15 back and repeatedly punched the driver.

Tim explains that since the police report was drafted, the driver admited in an interview that he kept the doors of his minivan cab locked upon arrival at the Kane's destination, a possible defense the Kane will rely upon. A preliminary hearing is set for Monday, but Kane is due back in the Chicago suburbs on Monday for a 34-man tryout/mini-camp for the US Hockey Team's trip to the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Tim does not believe that there will be any ramifications with his play for the Blackhawks, but his endorsements could be in jeopardy.

To view the segment, please click here.

For more information on this matter, or any sports law matter, please contact Timothy Epstein at 312.894.3227.