Photo courtesy of Shealah Craighead, Wikipedia
Fresh off the New England Patriots sixth Super Bowl win in the Tom Brady era, billionaire owner Robert Kraft has found himself in some murky waters. Last week, he was allegedly twice videotaped in a sex act at a massage parlor in Jupiter, Florida.
The allegations, which Kraft has already denied, consists of two counts of solicitation of sex. As the video has not yet surfaced to the public, it comes amid a crackdown on prostitution rings in Florida, where investigators bugged multiple hot spots regarding the crimes with cameras.
An important note to understand about this situation is that this was not consensual sex, according to the New York Daily News. The women involved are forced against their will by their traffickers, with “clients” having appointments with these women and shelling out money to the traffickers.
Kraft was not caught at a strip club or a bar with a woman, he was caught at the site of an illegal trafficking ring, paying money to the traffickers to be able to perform sexual acts with the women. Kraft may not have known that, since he may have been lied to, but it is very much illegal sexual exploitation.
The NFL has been in a lot of precarious situations with its owners and players alike. Star running backs Kareem Hunt and Ezekiel Elliott were involved in domestic abuse cases that handed them severe suspensions. Former Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson was forced to sell his rights to the team after he allegedly sexually harassed multiple team workers.
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay was suspended six games and fined $500,000 after he pled guilty to a DUI. If NFL commissioner Roger Goodell wants to uphold the correct standard, Kraft’s punishments should not be any less severe than those previously detailed.
Kraft even has a noted respected relationship with U.S. President Donald J. Trump, and the two have been known to spend time together at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Club.
Last Friday when asked about this incident, Trump said, “Well it’s very sad. I was very surprised to see it. He’s proclaimed his innocence, totally.” Kraft has even received support from New England fans, with some fans surrounding the spa after the incident in Patriots jerseys.
Brian Rubino, one of the fans that showed support said, “A 77-year-old man, lost his wife, who knows? I see how you can end up in a place like this.”
Law enforcement has confirmed that these girls are performing sex acts most of the day against their will, so for those who have supported Kraft, try to think of your daughter or sister being involved in one of these prostitution rings.
Wouldn’t you want justice? How is it fair to these women involved if Kraft is not severely punished for this? NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and local law enforcement have their hands full in trying to piece together a case against Kraft to make sure he receives rightful consequences.
Sending the right message to a powerful guy like Kraft will not only send a message to players and owners in the NFL, but it will send a message to those thinking of indulging in criminal behavior like this.
bfausset@ramapo.edu
