New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft apologized Saturday in his first public comments since he was charged as part of a human trafficking probe in Florida, saying he hopes to earn the “confidence and respect” of his family, friends, and Patriots fans.
“I am truly sorry,” Kraft said in his statement. “I know I have hurt and disappointed my family, my close friends, my co-workers, our fans, and many others who rightfully hold me to a higher standard.”
In his statement, Kraft said the “last thing I would ever want to do is disrespect another human being.” The Patriots owner referenced his wife of nearly 50 years, Myra Kraft, who died of ovarian cancer, saying he has “extraordinary respect for women.”
“As I move forward, I hope to continue to use the platform with which I have been blessed to help others and to try to make a difference,” Kraft said. “I expect to be judged not by my words, but by my actions. And through those actions, I hope to regain your confidence and respect.”
Kraft, 77, was charged with soliciting prostitution in February after he allegedly visited a massage parlor in Jupiter, Fla., on two separate occasions in January and solicited women for sex.
His arrest came as part of a larger human trafficking investigation centered around numerous spas and massage parlors in Florida. Twenty-four other men were arrested, and Kraft pleaded not guilty.
Kraft last week turned down a plea agreement from Florida prosecutors that would’ve required the billionaire to admit that he would have been found guilty of two misdemeanor counts at trial. As part of the deal, Kraft also would have been required to complete 100 hours of community service and undergo testing for sexually transmitted diseases.
His next court date is March 28, though he does not have to be present.
Kraft’s statement comes just before NFL team owners are scheduled to meet in Phoenix, Ariz., for the NFL’s annual meeting, which runs from March 24-27.
