Pats owner cleared in massage parlor case
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Florida prosecutors dropped a misdemeanor charge against New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft on Thursday after courts blocked their use of video that allegedly shows him paying for massage parlor sex.
Palm Beach County court records show that the owner and manager of the Orchids of Asia Day Spa are still facing numerous felony charges related to running a house of prostitution.
The Florida 4th District Court of Appeal found last month that Jupiter police violated the rights of Kraft and the other customers when they secretly installed video cameras inside massage rooms at the spa in early 2019. The court then blocked use of the video footage at trial.
The recordings, which have not been made public, are the only known evidence the men paid for sex. It could not be immediately determined if the charges against the other men have also been dropped, but that is likely.
Kraft, 79, could still face suspension or other punishment from the NFL.
Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Thursday that top cornerback Charvarius Ward, who missed last week’s win over the Chargers with a fractured hand, would return to practice in some capacity. The Chiefs are also due to get back Mike Pennel, their run-stuffing defensive tackle who had to serve a two-game suspension to start the season.
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle practiced on a limited basis for the second straight day on Thursday in a sign that he could be ready to return after missing one game with a knee injury.
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver DJ Chark missed Thursday’s game vs. Miami with chest and back injuries.
The new MetLife Stadium turf passed Wednesday’s extra inspection. so the Giants-49ers game on Sunday is a go.
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Alshon Jeffery returned to practice Thursday for the first time since he suffered a foot injury in December.
The Denver Broncos officially added quarterback Blake Bortles to their roster Thursday.