Saying he was “truly sorry” after being caught in a prostitution probe of a Florida massage parlor, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft issued an extensive public apology on Saturday in which he told backers he hoped to “regain your confidence and respect.”
“I am truly sorry. 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,” the 77-year-old billionaire said in a statement.
“Throughout my life, I have always tried to do the right thing. The last thing I would ever want to do is disrespect another human being.”
Kraft referenced the death of his wife Myra, who died of cancer at age 68 in 2011, which left him devastated.
“I have extraordinary respect for women; my morals and my soul were shaped by the most wonderful woman, the love of my life, who I was blessed to have as my partner for 50 years.”
Kraft, who’s denied charges of soliciting prostitution, did not admit to any wrongdoing in his statement, which comes on the eve of the NFL owners meetings in Phoenix, where he’s expected to attend.
But he vowed to do better.
“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. 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.”
The billionaire’s lawyer blasted cops, who said they had surveillance of Kraft engaging in sex acts twice at the Orchids of Asia spa in Jupiter, Florida, which allegedly trafficked in sex workers. Prosecutors hinted they would release the video if the owner didn’t accept a plea deal.
Lawyer William Burck gave ESPN a statement on Saturday claiming that “there was no human trafficking and law enforcement knows it,” according to the network’s Adam Schefter.
“The video and the traffic stop were illegal and law enforcement just doesn’t want to admit it,” Burke said. “The state attorney needs to step up and do the right thing and investigate how the evidence in this case was obtained.”
Kraft’s statement comes four days after ESPN reported that he would rather fight the charges in court than admit to a crime, but added he had not rejected a deal outright.
He and 25 other men were charged after visiting the spa. If convicted, Kraft faces up to one year in prison.
“In deference to the judicial process, I have remained silent these past several weeks,” Kraft said.
“To correct some of the misinformation surrounding this matter, my attorney made his first public comments on Friday night.”