Stefon Diggs is facing strangulation and other criminal charges in connection with an incident that happened earlier this month, police said. The New England Patriots have since released a statement concerning their star wide receiver.
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What To Know About The Charges
This news broke after Stefon Diggs’ lawyer appeared at a court hearing on Tuesday in Dedham, Massachusetts. The incident reportedly occurred on December 2. It is unclear what led to the charges, according to the Associated Press. His charges include felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery. Diggs is due back in court on January 21 for a motion hearing.
Meanwhile, citing a “newly released incident report,” TMZ reports that the incident involves his former private chef, who filed a police report on Dec. 16 about it. The female employee reportedly says Stefon opened her bedroom door on Dec. 2 to further discuss a text exchange about money owed. She claims Stefon got angry during the conversation, slapped her across the face and “tried to choke her using the crook of his elbow around her neck.” She reportedly attempted to push him away, but that’s when he allegedly began choking her and tightened his grip. The personal chef says she couldn’t breathe and “could have blacked out.” Diggs allegedly let go by throwing her on the bed and saying something like, “Thought so.” When she allegedly still tried to advocate for her alleged missing pay, Diggs allegedly responded, “lies” before walking out of her room.
Also, the woman told police she did not photograph her injuries but had redness on her upper chest area. When the incident allegedly occurred, the chef stated that she had not received her monthly pay. Employment with Diggs began in July, and was supposed to last through the 2025 NFL season. Though they allegedly initially agreed to weekly payments, that later switched to monthly, per the incident report.
Stefon Diggs’ Lawyer Denies Allegations
Stefon Diggs’ lawyer, David Meier, told the Associated Press in an emailed statement that Diggs “categorically denies these allegations.” Attorney Meier said the allegations never occurred. Furthermore, he describes them as unsubstantiated and uncorroborated.
“The timing and motivation for making the allegations is crystal clear: they are the direct result of an employee-employer financial dispute that was not resolved to the employee’s satisfaction,” Meier wrote.
New England Patriots React To Diggs’ Charges
In a statement, the Patriots said they were also standing by Diggs: “We support Stefon,” the team said. The full memo clarifies that they’re aware of the charges, and that the wide receiver denied the allegations in talks with them. While the team stands by Diggs, their statement also said they’ll continue to gather details about the incident and “cooperate fully” with authorities and the NFL.
“Out of respect for all parties involved, and given that this is an ongoing legal matter, we will have no further comment at this.”
After a lackluster stint in Houston last year, Stefon Diggs ended up in New England. He signed a three-year, $69 million deal in free agency that guaranteed him $26 million. Diggs has proven a reliable target for second-year quarterback Drake Maye. Additionally, he is a big reason why the team has once again clinched the AFC East title as the team heads toward the playoffs.
Off the field, though, his tenure with the New England Patriots got off to a rocky start. In May, a video surfaced on social media showing Stefon Diggs passing what appeared to be a bag of pink crystals to women on a boat. It wasn’t clear what the substance was, and an NFL spokesperson said the league would not comment. Patriots coach Mike Vrabel said the team would handle that matter internally.
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Associated Press writer Michael Casey contributed to this report via AP Newsroom.
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