NFL will “monitor developments” in Kraft case

Posted by Mike Florio on February 22, 2019, 2:37 PM EST
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The National Football League has issued a statement regarding the criminal investigation involving Patriots owner Robert Kraft.

“The NFL is aware of the ongoing law enforcement matter and will continue to monitor developments,” the league said in a statement.

Kraft is accused of solicitation of prostitution. He has strongly denied the charges.

The charges are misdemeanor in nature, entailing maximum jail time of 60 days. Kraft could face league discipline under the Personal Conduct Policy.

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83 responses to “NFL will “monitor developments” in Kraft case”

  2. NFL wants to get their hands on the tapes so they can destroy the evidence just like they did in spy-gate!

  9. According to Jupiter, FL Police Chief Daniel Kerr, the massage parlors “were used for prostitution and human trafficking.”

  10. FUTURE ‘I TOLD YA’:

    The nfl will bow, apologize, say they fight hard against the problem…

    … and…

    … let this low character individual keep the team.

  13. Low life perverts.
    Anyone who tries to spin this because(fanboys) he is rich and owns a football team is part of the problem.
    People that think they can do as the please because they can afford an expensive lawyer needs to pay the full price for their actions. Enough letting these people off the hook or try to cover for them.

  20. His wife is half his age and is a gorgeous former dancer-model. What might be driving this need ?
    It seems it’s always those that are drowning in riches that are never satisfied. I’d like to know what Giselle is thinking today.

  21. He solicited a hooker. A misdemeanor. Legal in Nevada. Big deal. It’s not like he was driving drunk with hundreds of prescription pills and $29k in cash… Irsay was suspended 6 games and fined $500k for that. What Kraft did wasn’t really that serious…

  23. What does he mean “monitor developments?”

    They have video, he’s been charged and there is a warrant out for him.
    This isn’t an ongoing investigation. It’s over.

  25. Yes what he did was wrong along with the other 24 guys charges but it’s not like he was running the operation. He should be condemned for his acts and hopefully learn from it and move on.

  26. ricko1112 says:

    February 22, 2019 at 2:57 pm

    He solicited a hooker. A misdemeanor. Legal in Nevada. Big deal. It’s not like he was driving drunk with hundreds of prescription pills and $29k in cash… Irsay was suspended 6 games and fined $500k for that. What Kraft did wasn’t really that serious…
    ___________________________________________________________________________________
    Wrong, human trafficking, and we don’t know yet how old the girl was, could be a very serious charge.

  28. Patriot Fanboys will always find the justification of these kinds of acts when it may damage the integrity of their laundry.

    Human Trafficking is disgusting and Robert Kraft has just been alleged to contribute to such. It is a big deal.

  30. For the WEEI crowd trying to downplay this, keep in mind this isn’t just about your average massage-parlor bust. There is mention of human trafficking. That’s beyond serious. Kraft may be in deeper trouble than you realize.

  31. ricko1112 says:
    February 22, 2019 at 2:57 pm
    He solicited a hooker. A misdemeanor. Legal in Nevada. Big deal. It’s not like he was driving drunk with hundreds of prescription pills and $29k in cash… Irsay was suspended 6 games and fined $500k for that. What Kraft did wasn’t really that serious…

    ————–

    From a criminal charge perspective that is true. The police confirmed he will be charged with secondary misdemeanors.

    The problem I think here is less about the level of the criminal offense and more that Kraft prides himself in his humanitarian work. If the sex workers were there against their will as part of a human trafficking operation then Kraft should be helping these people, not participating. That’s what makes it horrible.

    Obviously sex work is something that exists, always has and probably always will, regardless of what people think about it morally. If the women involved were their because they wanted to be there of their own free will, that is a different situation from my perspective, but that certainly doesn’t sound like the case the police are making.

  33. billswillnevermove says:
    February 22, 2019 at 3:08 pm
    ricko1112 says:

    February 22, 2019 at 2:57 pm

    He solicited a hooker. A misdemeanor. Legal in Nevada. Big deal. It’s not like he was driving drunk with hundreds of prescription pills and $29k in cash… Irsay was suspended 6 games and fined $500k for that. What Kraft did wasn’t really that serious…
    ___________________________________________________________________________________
    Wrong, human trafficking, and we don’t know yet how old the girl was, could be a very serious charge.

    ————

    They already confirmed the charges. Secondary misdemeanors.

  34. So, the NFL has someone who is involved in a way with human trafficking and it will be interesting to see what the NFL does. If they at least don’t remove him from ownership, it will show the total hypocrisy of the NFL. Kapernick can’t find another job because of kneeling for he was bringing attention to social injustice, but you have an owner that got involved with much more disgusting. Way to go NFL.

  39. Yeah, sure. The rich, powerful and influential are not subject to the Rule of Law, no matter how egregious the crime. At most, the NFL will give Kraft a slap on the wrist.

  40. The previous Panthers owner lost his team for much less. Hopefully that doesn’t happen to Mr. Kraft. He is by far the greatest owner in the league’s history.

  41. And were supposed to believe there has never been no cheating going on inside the New England organization. Keep the Hilarious post coming on how they’ve never done nothing wrong.

  42. patsfan4lifesbchamps says:

    February 22, 2019 at 4:42 pm

    The previous Panthers owner lost his team for much less. Hopefully that doesn’t happen to Mr. Kraft. He is by far the greatest owner in the league’s history.

    ================================

    Uh, no he didn’t, Panthers owner paid off employees then sold his team for a lot of money. Didn’t “lose” the team at all. And Jim Irsay got a 6 game suspension and $500K fine for a DUI, possession and having a mistress OD and die at his house. Helps to use facts. But this coming from the same commenter saying that Brady and Aaron Rodgers could be replaced by high school QBs and have the same success rate.

  43. steelcurtainn says:

    February 22, 2019 at 4:51 pm

    And were supposed to believe there has never been no cheating going on inside the New England organization. Keep the Hilarious post coming on how they’ve never done nothing wrong.

    ===============

    Fun coming from a Steelers fan. And Kraft is single. Facts are tough, I know.

  45. If the charges are true, we’ll have to see if a reporter gets more information about Mr. Kraft’s “masseuse”. If she turns out to be 16 years old, with a frightening story of how she she ended up in the US against her will, and was subject to all sorts of abuse … it could get really, really dicey.

  46. Kind of sad and pathetic that NE fans are excusing Kraft’s behavior. They’re using the excuse that it’s a victimless crime, Kraft is old, single, and has ‘needs’.

    From the criminal complaint and what the cops have said, we already know this much:
    1. The young women, some likely under-age were brought in from China under false pretenses to work in the U.S.
    2. They were parceled out to various states and forced into prostitution at strip-mall massage parlors.
    3. There are video recordings, including Kraft, of the illegal activities showing payments up-front, the various acts, and clean-up afterwards.
    4. The women were held in virtual slavery. Few if any speak English.

    They are victims of international and interstate sex trafficking. This isn’t some New York call-girl/escort service or victimless crime.

    The excuse that the Johns didn’t know that human trafficking was involved doesn’t hold water. Without demand, this stuff can’t happen.

  47. steelcurtainn says:
    February 22, 2019 at 4:51 pm
    And were supposed to believe there has never been no cheating going on inside the New England organization. Keep the Hilarious post coming on how they’ve never done nothing wrong.
    –
    Like finding a pony under the tree for a stealer fan.

  49. tremoluxman says:
    February 22, 2019 at 5:19 pm
    Kind of sad and pathetic that NE fans are excusing Kraft’s behavior. They’re using the excuse that it’s a victimless crime, Kraft is old, single, and has ‘needs’.

    Agreed. By far the best thought out response of the day that I’ve read. I have spent a lot of years backing the Patriots and the organization against the “cheating” mantra. I still will as this holds no relevance to those other issues. However, if this ends up being what it appears it might, Mr Kraft will have more than the initial misdemeanor charges, as he should, and he should be stripped of his team (although unlikely). But, I’ll hold my actual judgement until everything comes out.

  50. billswillnevermove says:
    February 22, 2019 at 3:08 pm

    ricko1112 says:

    February 22, 2019 at 2:57 pm

    He solicited a hooker. A misdemeanor. Legal in Nevada. Big deal. It’s not like he was driving drunk with hundreds of prescription pills and $29k in cash… Irsay was suspended 6 games and fined $500k for that. What Kraft did wasn’t really that serious…
    ___________________________________________________________________________________
    Wrong, human trafficking, and we don’t know yet how old the girl was, could be a very serious charge.

    ———————————————————————————————————

    You do realize he’s already been investigated and charged, correct? They’ve already investigated that aspect, and Bob was a pass-through customer involved in none of that.

  51. Cheating Billy, Deflating Tommy and now Pervy Bobby. What a franchise. Oh and their MVP was suspended for the first four games. Man, gotta be proud lahbsta-heads.

  53. Fun coming from a Steelers fan. And Kraft is single. Facts are tough, I know
    __________________________________________________________________________
    Kraft buys prostitutes, why wouldn’t he buy championships. Fact are tough.

  55. Regardless it’s a huge black eye on the NFL and they have shown theyre incapable of handling these kinds of things properly. One of the most prestigious franchises is under fire and owner has now tarnished his legacy with this.

  60. Poor Playboy Bobby, right NE ders, he is lonely and has needs. Spin it anyway you want to make it palatable I guess. Do you really expect anyone to feel bad for a billionaire? the human trafficking element might cost a bit more but Mr Kraft will buy his way out of this and Commish will hide from this one. “need to gather all the facts” translates to not planning on doing a damn thing. Free mac n cheese and Ketchup for all the League Office employees.

  62. He should be banned from making a profit for 4 games (like players lose game checks) and all proceeds go to anti human trafficking non profits. I hope he didn’t have a prenup but if he did’t, their are going to be co-owners of the Patriots.

  63. Whether he knew or not, most women who are in the sex trade are not there by choice. If someone approached him and wanted to have sex(eww), that’s her business but when you go to a place like that and seek it out, you’re part of the problem. Either way, his legacy is tarnished. He’ll forever be remembered for this . Sad.

  64. @tremoluxman

    Good comment. These places, and what was going on in them, was no secret. The authorities surveiled these places for hours at a time, and never saw a woman go in the front door even though they advertised services that normally appeal to ladies. All they saw were men going in, staying 30 to 60 minutes at a time. I can’t figure people saying what’s the big deal? If you are these guys significant other, it’s a pretty big deal. Not to mention the possible exposure to God knows what. Kraft, while not officially married, has been seeing this lady for 6 years, I’m thinking it’s a big deal for her, and an utter embarrassment. Prostitution is far from victimless, many times, as in this case, the women are victims themselves.

  65. Now would be a good time for Goodell to finally release the PSI data that the NFL collected during the 2015 season.

    Now that is the dry and I mean very dry NE humor percolating to the surface like something that wont flush. But you cant flush this crap ……so you just need to suck up some more disgraceful acts like the cheating….seems to be a trend.

  69. cowboyfandan says:
    February 22, 2019 at 6:03 pm
    Kraft’s wife died in 2010 and he has been dating a now 39 year old for 6 years.

    6 0 Rate This

    ——————-

    false and false

    she died in 2011 and he is not in a relationship

  70. ricko1112 says:
    February 22, 2019 at 2:57 pm
    He solicited a hooker. A misdemeanor. Legal in Nevada. Big deal. It’s not like he was driving drunk with hundreds of prescription pills and $29k in cash… Irsay was suspended 6 games and fined $500k for that. What Kraft did wasn’t really that serious…
    _________
    Dicko1112 with the typical Patsie* response…..
    Shift the attention and blame somebody else.

  72. steelcurtainn says:
    February 22, 2019 at 5:51 pm
    Fun coming from a Steelers fan. And Kraft is single. Facts are tough, I know
    __________________________________________________________________________
    Kraft buys prostitutes, why wouldn’t he buy championships. Fact are tough.

    ================.

    Literally every single owner of every single pro sports franchise attempts to “buy championships” every year. And Big Ben, fella, Big Ben. Facts are tough.

  75. magicmike1225 says:
    February 22, 2019 at 2:43 pm
    It’s a misdemeanor. Just make them do hard knocks and move on

    ——

    If it really involved victims of human trafficking, I don’t think a stint on Hard Knocks will quite cover it.

  76. kpr131 says:
    February 22, 2019 at 6:48 pm

    Whether he knew or not, most women who are in the sex trade are not there by choice. If someone approached him and wanted to have sex(eww), that’s her business but when you go to a place like that and seek it out, you’re part of the problem. Either way, his legacy is tarnished. He’ll forever be remembered for this . Sad.
    __________________
    You sound like an expert, Mr. Knight. How about you not pull a Jussie and let the facts decide the matter and not media spin.

  77. tb12greatest says:
    February 22, 2019 at 7:34 pm
    Where was the outrage from Steelers fans when Ben Roetlisburger raped a woman?
    ________________

    First if all, and just to be clear, he didn’t rape anyone. Secondly, there are plenty of Steelers’ fans, then and even to this day, that despise the man just because of the entire sordid ordeal.

  78. He solicited a hooker. A misdemeanor. Legal in Nevada. Big deal…What Kraft did wasn’t really that serious…

    ………..

    These girls are victims of human trafficking; lured to the US under false pretenses of legitimate jobs, then forced to act as prostitutes and kept against their will.

    Having sex with these girls is tantamount to rape, morally if not legally. They are not engaging in this behavior willingly but through fear and force of the brothel owners.

    If you had a daughter who was kidnapped into white slavery to work in a brothel, how would you feel about the men who had sex with her? Would it be “not that serious”?

    It’s especially disgusting because this man is a billionnaire. He could pay for any type of willing call girl he wanted, race, apparent age, proclivities, whatever. Instead he chose to abuse helpless girls for $59 or $79 a pop.

  79. I don’t care. It’s not like we had a tight end commit cold blooded murder to further a criminal enterprise…oh wait!

    I still don’t care. If the whack liberals in this country let ICE do their jobs, there is less of this! Go Patriots!

  80. This has the potential to be the first scandal coming out of NE that deserves more than 20 minutes of concern in the Robert Kraft era. And he absolutely deserves any heat coming his way. But I’m not naive enough to think that the billionaire NFL ownership is full of choir boys so I’d bet this kind of arrogance and entitlement is more common than not.

  81. Kraft is paying and will continue to pay an incredibly high price for this stupidity. Any holier than thou do gooder out there piling on Kraft and the Patriots…please….your motivations are obvious. Steeler fans seem particularly outraged…what about your illustrious leader Big Ben? Kraft is human folks, like we all are. Nobody leaves this planet without regret, weakness or sin.

  82. suncawy says:
    February 22, 2019 at 3:31 pm
    So, the NFL has someone who is involved in a way with human trafficking and it will be interesting to see what the NFL does. If they at least don’t remove him from ownership, it will show the total hypocrisy of the NFL. Kapernick can’t find another job because of kneeling for he was bringing attention to social injustice, but you have an owner that got involved with much more disgusting. Way to go NFL.

    ———-

    Shame on you for using victims of human trafficking to boost Kaepernick and your personal cause. I agree that – if true about human trafficking – Kraft should be out of the NFL and have to live a life of shame. That said, the division Kaepernick caused in this country, all in the name of money and his own personal cause (which most of the country doesn’t totally agree is a huge issue) is equally as disgraceful. Both should be banished.

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