Pats’ Kraft pleads not guilty, asks for jury trial
T.J. Quinn discusses Robert Kraft pleading not guilty and asking for a jury trial and potential concerns that could surface if there was one. (1:57)
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft on Tuesday officially entered a not guilty plea to charges on two misdemeanor counts of first-degree solicitation and has asked for a jury trial.
Kraft’s attorneys filed a court notice Tuesday also waiving his arraignment, which had been scheduled for Thursday but is now canceled.
Bill Belichick tried to fool everyone with his use of ‘we’ll see’ on Tuesday, but he couldn’t fool us. Here’s Belichick’s presser, translated.
In February, Palm Beach County authorities announced Kraft was videotaped twice paying for a sex act at an illicit massage parlor. Kraft, 77, is among more than 200 people who, police said, engaged in sex acts with employees of targeted massage parlors in South Florida.
If convicted, Kraft would face 100 hours of community service and a $5,000 fine. He could also get a year in jail, although that is unlikely.
The plea comes days after Kraft apologized in his first public comment since being charged for allegedly receiving sexual services at the Orchids of Asia Day Spa in Jupiter, Florida, on Jan. 19 and 20.
“I am truly sorry,” Kraft said in a statement on Saturday. “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.”
Kraft is subject to the league’s personal conduct policy, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell reiterated Tuesday night at the NFL owners meetings. Goodell said it will be done “after we get all the facts” and “we’ll be fair and smart about it.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.