Patriots Owner Robert Kraft Says He's 'Truly Sorry' After Prostitution Solicitation Charges

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft said he is "truly sorry" Saturday in his first public statement since being charged for allegedly soliciting prostitution in January.

In his statement Kraft said he saw an opportunity to say something he has wanted to say for four weeks. He also said he hopes to regain the public's confidence and that he has an "extraordinary respect for women"

"I have always tried to do the right thing. The last thing I would ever want to do is disrespect another human being. My morals and my soul were shaped by the most wonderful woman, the love of my life, who I was blessed to have as my partner for 50 years," Kraft said, referring to his wife Myra, who died in 2011.

Kraft was charged in January with two misdemeanor counts of soliciting prostitution at a massage parlor in Jupiter, Fla.

The 77-year-old billionaire was one of 25 men charged in an investigation of human trafficking and prostitution at multiple parlors.

The Palm Beach state attorney's office confirmed Tuesday it offered to drop Kraft’s charges if he agreed to a plea deal, but Kraft refused to take the deal, and his attorney told ESPN Friday the evidence against him was gathered illegally.