Patriots owner Robert Kraft apologized in his first public comment since he was charged with solicitation last month after visiting a Florida day spa.

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"I am truly sorry," Kraft, 77, said in a statement, ESPN reported. "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."

Kraft's attorney released a statement Friday night disputing the charges and questioning how the evidence was obtained.

Authorities charged Kraft in February with two counts of soliciting another to commit prostitution, a misdemeanor, after he was videotaped at Orchids of Asia Day Spa in January.

Kraft has pleaded not guilty to the charges and will not accept a plea deal.

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8/26/17 - Atlanta, GA - Georgia leaders, including Gov. Nathan Deal, Sandra Deal, members of the King family, and Rep. Calvin Smyre,  were on hand for unveiling of the first statue of Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday at the statehouse grounds, more than three years after Gov. Nathan Deal first announced the project.  During the hour-long ceremony leading to the unveiling of the statue of Martin Luther King Jr. at the state Capitol on Monday, many speakers, including Gov. Nathan Deal, spoke of King's biography. The statue was unveiled on the anniversary of King's famed "I Have Dream" speech. BOB ANDRES  /BANDRES@AJC.COM

Credit: Bob Andres