By Malcolm Major:
On February 25, 2019, one of Massachusetts most polarizing public figures Robert Kraft, was charged with two counts of soliciting prostitution.
Kraft faces these charges because police say he made recent visits to the Orchids of Asia Day Spa in Jupiter, Florida. A spokesperson for Kraft denies he was “engaged in any illegal activity.” This statement was released to the public following the charges.
(Photo: ERIC HASERT/TCPALM)
The Jupiter Police Department was running an investigation for about a month or so on local massage parlors due to suspicion of human trafficking.
Kraft made the headlines for various media outlets over the past several weeks. ESPN talk shows such as First Take had entire segments dedicated to this matter.
Different people have differing opinions on the entire situation and what may have happened. The most alarming and concerning element regarding this investigation is the human trafficking piece. Human trafficking is too common and prevalent in the present day. Males and females are dehumanized and forced to commit sexual activities for their survival.
Whether Kraft had knowledge of the possible human trafficking is key, it changes the whole dynamic of his penalty. If Kraft was aware of the human trafficking I believe he should face the maximum penalty he can be charged with. If he was unaware of the human trafficking then it’s another story.
Assuming Kraft didn’t have any knowledge of any possible human trafficking taking place, I believe he should just pay a fine and be able to move along with his life. Kraft has already endured the majority of his punishment which was his name being tarnished and displayed all over the news as well as social media. The NFL and Commissioner Rodger Goodell can only do but so much in terms of penalizing Kraft because this wasn’t a football related issue.
(Photo: BUDA MENDES/GETTY IMAGES)
The NFL did release a statement after Kraft was charged. “Our Personal Conduct Policy applies equally to everyone in the NFL. We will handle this allegation in the same way we would handle any issue under the Policy. We are seeking a full understanding of the facts, while ensuring that we do not interfere with an ongoing law enforcement investigation. We will take appropriate action as warranted based on the facts.”
It was interesting interacting with two people of the opposite sex regarding this issue. Michael McDonald, Assumption senior of Quincy, MA had an interesting statement regarding this investigation:
“My opinion of Robert Kraft won’t change unless it’s brought to my attention that he was well aware of illegal human trafficking taking place. What he does with his free time is up to him. Hopefully he learns from this mistake and we can go back to chasing Super Bowl victory number seven.”
Caitlyn Bonasia, another Assumption senior and Massachusetts native says,
“I’m not too concerned about Robert Kraft. I’m more focused on the human trafficking part of it all. It’s heart breaking that people get forced into sexual acts due to human trafficking. I hope as rational human beings we can spread awareness of human trafficking not only across the country but across the world.”
THE AC301 