New England Patriots fans reacted with disbelief at the news Friday that team owner Robert Kraft is being charged with misdemeanor solicitation of prostitution for paying for a sex act inside an illicit massage parlor.
"I think that we're all innocent until proven guilty, so that's what I think," one fan outside Gillette Stadium said. "If it's true, it's disappointing, but that's business and that's what the courts are for and police. It just hit the news, but I don't know, man."
"I am surprised by that," another fan said. "I am surprised, absolutely. It stinks, you know. It's a let down."
One woman said it's too soon to rush to judgment.
"If he did it, then it's wrong," she said. "But if he didn't, you just have to listen to both sides."
"He's single," another woman said with a shrug. "It's not like he's married. A man of influence such as Bob Kraft, or any man for that matter, if that's what they wish to pursue, it's a free country."
"Dang, it's horrible," another fan said.
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The 77-year-old NFL owner is being charged with two counts of soliciting another to commit prostitution based on two separate visits. The charges are misdemeanors.
The team and the NFL did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
A spokesperson for Kraft released a statement Friday, saying, "We categorically deny that Mr. Kraft engaged in any illegal activity. Because it is a judicial matter, we will not be commenting further."
Kraft has not yet been arrested. As he is not a Florida resident, police said a warrant will be issued for his arrest.
Police said they have not had contact with Kraft.
Kraft, who was born in Brookline, Massachusetts, has owned the Patriots since January of 1994 and founded the New England Revolution soccer team in 1996.
