The Patriots on Friday in a statement “categorically deny” that team Owner Robert Kraft “engaged in any illegal activity” following Kraft being charged earlier in the day by the Jupiter (Fla.) Police Department for soliciting a prostitute. The team added, “Because it is a judicial matter, we will not be commenting further.” The NFL also issued a statement that read, “The NFL is aware of the ongoing law enforcement matter and will continue to monitor developments” (THE DAILY).
The NFL is in “all probability going to have to take action” against Kraft as part of the league’s personal conduct policy. Owners are held to “higher standards and harsher punishment” than other league personnel. The NFL’s stance is that “anybody who brings unwanted attention to the NFL, which certainly this would be qualified as, would be subject to discipline.” Precedent was set in ’14 when Colts Owner Jim Irsay was suspended six games following his drug arrest (“SportsCenter,” ESPN, 2/22). The league may not “fast track” any investigation into the charges “until this thing is adjudicated” (“NFL Live,” ESPN, 2/22).
