After his friend Robert Kraft was charged with two counts of solicitation of prostitution, President Donald Trump has weighed in on the allegations against the New England Patriots owner.
The NFL owner, 77, is accused of paying for sexual services at Orchids of Asia Day Spa in Jupiter, Florida, one of 10 spa locations that were shut down following an eight-month sting operation carried out by law enforcement.
When asked about the charges, Trump said: “Well, it’s very sad. I was very surprised to see it. He’s proclaimed his innocence totally, but I’m very surprised to see it.”
NEW: Pres. Trump on charges against Patriots owner Robert Kraft: "Well, it's very sad. I was very surprised to see it. He's proclaimed his innocence totally, but I'm very surprised to see it." https://t.co/bHHgDtBTng pic.twitter.com/ZUqrwLMHXj
— ABC News (@ABC) February 22, 2019
Kraft has denied any illegal wrongdoing via a spokesperson. “We categorically deny that Mr. Kraft engaged in any illegal activity,” the spokesperson said in a statement. “Because it is a judicial matter, we will not be commenting further.”
The NFL also addressed the allegations. “The NFL is aware of the ongoing law enforcement matter and will continue to monitor developments,” the league said in a statement.
Trump and Kraft have a relationship that dates back years and the two have played golf at t Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida many times. Two years ago, Kraft joined President Trump, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan, and their wives for dinner at the resort.
It sounds crazy given Kraft’s name is involved, but ESPN’s Adam Schefter alluded to other potential bombshells coming out of the sting operation during an appearance on SportsCenter.
“I’m also told that Robert Kraft is not the biggest name involved down there in South Florida,” Schefter said.
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