Robert Kraft publicly apologizes for his role in scandal

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft released a public statement recently in which he apologized for his role in the Florida solicitation scandal.

Ever since word first got out that Patriots owner Robert Kraft was somehow connected to a massive prostitution ring sting in Jupiter, Florida, he has staunchly denied any wrongdoing. Kraft pled not guilty to two misdemeanor counts of solicitation; he also had his legal team file a motion to suppress video evidence and surveillance footage that reportedly shows him receiving illicit services from massage parlor workers on the eve and morning of the AFC Championship Game back in January.

While he did at first release a statement through an official spokesperson in which he “categorically” denied engaging “in any illegal activity,” his stance appears to have softened a bit since then. Without admitting any guilty, Kraft acknowledged he was “truly sorry” over the weekend in a public statement.

"“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. Throughout my life, I have always tried to do the right thing. The last thing I would ever want to do is disrespect another human being. I have extraordinary respect for women; my morals and my soul were shaped by the most wonderful woman, the love of my life, who I was blessed to have as my partner for 50 years. As I move forward, I hope to continue to use the platform with which I have been blessed to help others and to try to make a difference. I expect to be judged not by my words, but by my actions. And through those actions, I hope to regain your confidence and respect.”"

Kraft was married to Myra Hiatt Kraft for 48 years. She died of ovarian cancer in the summer of 2011. He has since dated actress Ricki Noel Lander since June of 2012.

Last week, Kraft was offered a plea deal in which the charges against him would be dropped in return for a requirement to “complete an educational course on prostitution, perform 1,000 hours of community service, take a screening for sexually transmitted diseases and pay for some court costs.” Kraft and other defendants in the sting operation would also be required to admit that they would have been found guilty had the case gone to trial.

So far, Kraft has reportedly been reluctant to accept such a deal, according to sources with knowledge of the situation.