<p class="title"> NFL champion New England Patriots' owner Robert Kraft apologized on Saturday in a statement, making his first public comments since being charged with soliciting prostitution last month in Florida.</p>.<p class="bodytext">The 77-year-old billionaire was among 25 men charged with soliciting prostitution in two January visits to a South Florida massage parlor, accused of paying for illicit sex after a police investigation into human trafficking and women forced into prostitution.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"I am truly sorry," Kraft said. "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."</p>.<p class="bodytext">Kraft has pleaded innocent on two misdemeanour solicitation charges but had made no comment until the statement, posted on the NFL's website.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"In deference to the judicial process, I have remained silent these past several weeks," Kraft said. "I would like to use this opportunity to say something that I have wanted to say for four weeks."</p>.<p class="bodytext">Kraft, whose club defeated the Los Angeles Rams last month to capture their third Super Bowl crown in five seasons, said that his late wife Myra had helped him develop a greater than normal respect for women.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"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," he said.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"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," he added.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Kraft, set to be arraigned Thursday, asked to be judged by future deeds.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"As I move forward, I hope to continue to use the platform with which I have been blessed to help others and to try and make a difference," he said.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"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."</p>.<p class="bodytext">The State Attorney for Palm Beach has offered Kraft and others the standard diversion program offered to first-time offenders, which would require paying a fine and working 100 hours of community service as well as taking an education program on human trafficking and its link to prostitution.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Police said there was evidence several of the women apprehended at the spa where the ring was operating were made to reside there.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Kraft will attend the NFL's annual meetings that begin on Sunday in Phoenix, Arizona.</p>
<p class="title"> NFL champion New England Patriots' owner Robert Kraft apologized on Saturday in a statement, making his first public comments since being charged with soliciting prostitution last month in Florida.</p>.<p class="bodytext">The 77-year-old billionaire was among 25 men charged with soliciting prostitution in two January visits to a South Florida massage parlor, accused of paying for illicit sex after a police investigation into human trafficking and women forced into prostitution.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"I am truly sorry," Kraft said. "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."</p>.<p class="bodytext">Kraft has pleaded innocent on two misdemeanour solicitation charges but had made no comment until the statement, posted on the NFL's website.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"In deference to the judicial process, I have remained silent these past several weeks," Kraft said. "I would like to use this opportunity to say something that I have wanted to say for four weeks."</p>.<p class="bodytext">Kraft, whose club defeated the Los Angeles Rams last month to capture their third Super Bowl crown in five seasons, said that his late wife Myra had helped him develop a greater than normal respect for women.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"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," he said.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"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," he added.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Kraft, set to be arraigned Thursday, asked to be judged by future deeds.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"As I move forward, I hope to continue to use the platform with which I have been blessed to help others and to try and make a difference," he said.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"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."</p>.<p class="bodytext">The State Attorney for Palm Beach has offered Kraft and others the standard diversion program offered to first-time offenders, which would require paying a fine and working 100 hours of community service as well as taking an education program on human trafficking and its link to prostitution.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Police said there was evidence several of the women apprehended at the spa where the ring was operating were made to reside there.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Kraft will attend the NFL's annual meetings that begin on Sunday in Phoenix, Arizona.</p>