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This is suddenly so much bigger than Patrick Kane. This is the Chicago Blackhawks organization telling all of its members that the only thing that matters is what happens on the ice. This is every woman in Chicago being made less safe as a result of that stance. If you see one of the Blackhawks out at a bar, are you going to consider it exciting or interesting, now knowing what you do? Will you ask for a photo or an autograph, or will you think about the fact that if that man commits a rape tonight, he can feel confident he will skate for his team tomorrow?

If you are a reporter, do you now think twice about who else might be in the room while you interview a member of the Blackhawks? Do you second-guess your safety, knowing that he has been told his skills on the ice matter more than his actions off of it? What if you are a reporter whose safety has been compromised for the simple action of reporting the facts of the Kane investigation while female?

What if you are a female member of the Ice Crew, being expected to pose for photos with fans in bars and stadium hallways? Are you confident that if one of the drunk men putting his arm around your shoulders feels entitled to more, that your employer will stand up for your rights? Or are you now concerned that your safety and bodily autonomy are merely ‘distractions’ from the meaningful business of hockey?

What if you’re an employee at the United Center, working in deserted hallways after a game? How do you feel now, knowing that the men walking the hallways can expect no meaningful repercussions to come from an accusation of assault or misconduct? What if you need that job, regardless of whether or not you feel unsafe performing it?

If you’re a regular viewer of the Blackhawks’ home broadcasts, you’re familiar with Eddie Olczyk’s frequent refrain: “All you young hockey players out there…” Let’s think about them for a minute – what message have the Chicago Blackhawks imparted to them about the importance of respect for women? If one of those young hockey players happens to be particularly talented, is he suddenly feeling bulletproof? Is he starting to believe that a “no” on prom night could be swept under the rug by a State Championship or a high draft-position? More importantly, can any of us demonstrate to him that it wouldn’t be?

Finally, what are you thinking if you’re one of the people who believes in the innocence of Patrick Kane? Are you conscious of the fact that you cheer alongside people who believe he is guilty, but don’t care? How about the fact that some of these people believe he is guilty, and view his continued presence as validation that their own poor treatment of women is both justified and normal? You may rationalize your continued support of Kane under the banner of “innocent until proven guilty,” but you stand in solidarity with those whose figurative banners say far different things. Terrible things like, “She probably deserved it,” or, “He only did what any man would do.” You may not agree with these people, but your tickets beep the same way at the door.

Ultimately, the Chicago Blackhawks may cut ties with Kane, but the damage has been done. The message has been sent. If they “do the right thing” later, we will all know that it is only as a result of having had their hand forced. Even if Kane is somehow exonerated tomorrow, the Blackhawks will still have taken the stance that rape is nothing more than an “off-ice issue.” A “distraction.” Even if you are one of the people who want to believe that Kane is innocent of any crime, you cannot deny that the Blackhawks have made an aggressively harmful statement by allowing Kane to remain an active member of their organization during this investigation.

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