Robert

Kraft

Like Bill Belichick before him, Kraft will be kept out of Canton for at least a year. Unlike Belichick, it’s not clear that there was a concerted effort to keep Kraft out, though it’s still a puzzling decision by the voters. Kraft bought the team in 1994. Including Sunday’s upcoming game, they have gone on to appear in 11 Super Bowls with six wins under Kraft. A victory over the Seahawks would put New England in sole possession of the league record for Lombardi Trophies, all of which have come under Kraft. New England drafted the greatest quarterback of all time and hired the greatest coach of all time early in Kraft’s tenure as the principal owner. Their dynasty defined football in the 21st century. And yet, neither Kraft nor Belichick is in the Hall of Fame. Curious.

Not that this qualifies as “surprising,” but Kraft out-and-out said as much in an appearance on a Boston radio show. He also noted that owners were planning to “push like the Dickens” to make “so that every team every year will play one game overseas.” Kraft concluded by saying “as long as we can keep growing revenue we can keep long-term labor peace.” The current NFL CBA extends through the 2030 season, so we won’t have to spend too much time on this in the near future, but the specter of 18 games will continue to hover over labor negotiations as we hit the end of the decade.

Rather than plea away his charges, Kraft is going all in on an aggressive legal strategy to get Jupiter, Fla. authorities to drop the charges. Kraft is, likely correctly, gambling a trial won’t be worth the court’s time and money.

The full statement is in the link. Kraft doesn’t comment on the case, though this comes one day after prosecutors denied his request to stop the alleged video from getting released. Kraft is still expected to attend the Owners’ Meetings in Arizona. The league has stayed quiet on the Kraft situation, but there’s still fallout to come. The NFL is once again in damage control with Kraft after ex-Panthers owner Jerry Richardson’s 2017 stepping down.

Per the WSJ, all charges would be dropped, but Kraft would to admit he would have been found guilty at trial. 77 with nothing but time and money on his hands, it is possible Kraft spurns the deal in hopes of wearing Florida authorities down to an outright dismissal.

Kraft is also requesting a “bench” trial, meaning he would not have to face a jury. He faces a 10-day minimum sentence if convicted and a maximum of two years. That’s not going to happen. A billionaire, Kraft will likely bring enough pressure on the system where it no longer makes sense for Florida authorities to bother.

ESPN is reporting that Kraft would be facing up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine if convicted. Authorities in Jupiter, Florida set April 24th as his scheduled court date, but his lawyer can appear for him. On top of any potential legal ramifications, Kraft could be facing disciplinary actions from the Commissioner. Kraft has “categorically denied” the charge.

Steele reports the warrant “may be served as early as today.” Kraft is accused of soliciting two prostitutes at the Orchids of Asia Spa in Jupiter, Florida. Kraft has “categorically denied” the charges.

Jupiter Police chief Daniel Kerr said there’s video evidence of Kraft involved in sex acts at Orchids of Asia spa parlor in Jupiter. The investigation was conducted over the last several months and resulted in 25 people being charged, Kraft included. An “active arrest warrant” has reportedly been issued for the Pats owner in Palm Beach County, where he has a nearby residence. Kraft’s spokesperson “categorically denied” he was engaged in any illegal activity.

In other words, the league won’t be abandoning its fixation with bridging the pond any time soon. Kraft also believes it’s “very important” for the NFL to have “one or two” teams in downtown Los Angeles. It’s unclear if the league prefers London and L.A. to get their teams via expansion or relocation. Expanding from 32 teams would water down a product that already struggles to find 32 competent quarterbacks.