News of the charges brought against Robert Kraft has reached the president.
Donald Trump offered a brief reaction to Kraft's alleged involvement in a prostitution ring Friday, telling reporters at the White House he was "very surprised" to see the New England Patriots owner charged.
"Well, it’s very sad," Trump said. "I was very surprised to see it. He’s proclaimed his innocence totally, but I’m very surprised to see it."
Kraft faces two charges of soliciting prostitution as part of a larger sex trafficking operation in Palm Beach County, Jupiter police announced Friday. He denied any illegal activity in a statement, and a warrant is expected to be issued Monday for his arrest.
Trump and Kraft have had a close relationship for several years, as the Patriots owner said Trump reached out to him following the death of his wife, Myra, in 2011.
New England Patriots
Kraft also has visited Trump several times at his Mar-a-Lago Club, about 20 miles south of Jupiter.
Click here to download the new MyTeams App by NBC Sports! Receive comprehensive coverage of your teams and stream the Celtics easily on your device.