The Big Names in a Big Scandal: Florida Charges a Patriots Owner
Well, that wasn’t exactly on the NFL playbook. Florida prosecutors have just slapped their legal badge onto the billionaire owner of the New England Patriots, Robert Kraft, and a crew of around twenty men for allegedly being backers of “the seedy side” of massage parlors. The charges come after a sweeping crack on a trafficking ring that funneled young women into day spas and hot-tub salons across three counties.
What the Investigation Uncovered
- Hundreds of individuals got a “big red flag” from police—some arrested, others still facing charges.
- Kraft, a 77‑year‑old wealthy figure, was named by police as a patron at the Orchids of Asia Day Spa in Jupiter. Video allegedly shows him engaging in paid sex with a worker on two separate occasions.
- The legal fine per person? A tidy $5,000 (about US$6,750) + 100 hours of community service + mandatory classes on the dangers of prostitution and human trafficking.
- Potential jail time ranges from 60 days to a year, though prosecutors say first‑time offenders usually won’t land behind bars.
Kraft’s Response
Kraft emphatically denies any wrongdoing, citing a spokesperson who said he’s “not involved in any illegal activity.” He’s backed by the Super Bowl‑winning Patriots, who’ve stepped in to defend their team’s image.
On the Bigger Picture
State Attorney Dave Aronberg highlighted that these prosecutions are the tip of the iceberg in a nationwide human‑trafficking investigation still rolling. “Some of the women in cases like ours are victims,” he said, calling for a candid look at how this all unfolded.
Views from the NFL
The NFL, keeping a close watch, stressed that >everything in the league, from owners to star players, is held to the personal conduct policy. The league’s latest statement read:
“We’re committing to a full understanding of the facts while not interfering with law enforcement in its investigation. We’ll take action when the facts warrant it.”
In short, a championship team faces a playoff of legal challenges with a side of moral scrutiny. The sport’s love‑for‑the‑game mantra may need more than winning trophies—it needs to win the trust of fans who want to see the action both on and off the field.
