Patriot owner Robert Kraft could potentially be NFL sanctioned after arrest

February 22, 2019, 23:51 GMT

By Corky Siemaszko

Robert Kraft, the owner of the New England Patriots charged with soliciting prostitution, not only gets into trouble with the law – he could get himself notified by the NFL.

Like the players, owners of NFL teams are also subject to the league's personal conduct policy.

This is stated in the introductory paragraph and the word "everyone" is underlined and written in bold to highlight it.

"It's a privilege to be part of the National Football League," we read. "Everyone who is part of the league must refrain from "conduct detrimental to the integrity and trust of the public" of the NFL. This includes owners, coaches, players, other team employees, game officials and employees of the league office, NFL Films, NFL Network or any other NFL company. "

Owners of teams like Kraft are required to adhere to a "higher standard" as per the policy.

"Ownership and management of the club or league has always been subject to higher standards and will be subject to harsher discipline in the event of a violation of the personal conduct policy," the report says.

At least one owner of the NFL team has been sanctioned for violating the driving policy. The owner of the Indianapolis Colts, Jim Irsay, was fined $ 500,000 and suspended six games after pleading guilty in 2014 to driving while intoxicated.

NBC News contacted the NFL to see if it checked if Kraft broke the league's policy but had no immediate answer.

The league released a statement Friday in which it states: "The NFL is aware of the law enforcement situation and will continue to monitor the situation."

Kraft, 77, whose team won the Super Bowl earlier this month, was one of 25 people arrested on Friday as part of a long-running investigation over several months. police-led human trafficking between China and Florida.

Police said the owner of the Patriots was facing two chiefs of solicitation for orchestration at Orchids of Asia Day Spa in Jupiter, Florida. Kraft is not accused of trafficking in human beings. A lawyer from the spa owner declined to comment on Friday.

Kraft's spokesman categorically denied "participating in any illegal activity".