Stefon Diggs, the prominent wide receiver for the New England Patriots, addressed the media for the first time Friday following the revelation that he is facing criminal charges stemming from an incident involving a personal chef on December 2 in Dedham, Massachusetts. Diggs expressed his apologies for his recent absence, citing the emotional turmoil during this challenging time.
“It’s definitely an open case so I can’t even say anything about it,” Diggs noted, while indicating that he could only speak about football concerns as he aims to maintain focus on his performance and finish the season strongly. “We all deal with life stuff, family stuff… being a football team is hard,” he added, emphasizing the importance of camaraderie among teammates during difficult times.
Diggs faces serious allegations, including felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery, as documented in court records. His attorney has denied the accusations, declaring them unsubstantiated and calling attention to the claim that they arose from a financial dispute involving an employee. The Patriots organization has publicly supported Diggs during this challenging period.
The incident, according to a police report, arose from a monetary disagreement between Diggs and the chef, who claimed to have stayed in his home throughout the football season. During their confrontation, she alleges Diggs struck her and attempted to choke her, leading to the police report, though no photographic evidence of injuries was provided.
While Diggs prepares for his arraignment scheduled for January 23—just two days before the critical AFC Championship Game—the Patriots are busy gearing up for their final regular season matchup against the Miami Dolphins. A victory, coupled with a loss by the Denver Broncos, could allow the Patriots to claim the top seed in the AFC playoffs.
In addition to Diggs’ situation, fellow teammate Christian Barmore faces domestic assault charges from an August incident involving his pregnant girlfriend. Barmore’s case has garnered attention, particularly regarding the circumstances leading up to the alleged altercation. Similar to Diggs, Barmore has refrained from discussing the matter publicly, instead focusing on his preparation for the upcoming game.
Both players face significant challenges amidst their legal issues, but they remain committed to their roles as teammates and athletes. The narratives surrounding these cases draw attention to the broader implications of personal conduct within professional sports, and fans hope for resolution and understanding as the players aim to navigate these complex situations while continuing to compete on the field.