Sports
Patriots’ Diggs facing assault charges ahead of play-offs
The former Bills receiver has been a crucial part of New England’s success this season
New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs is facing a felony charge of strangulation and a misdemeanour charge of assault following an alleged incident on December 2.
A motion hearing was held Tuesday morning at Dedham District Court in Massachusetts, with Diggs scheduled to be arraigned on January 23, the Friday before the AFC Championship Game.
According to a police report, a woman contacted authorities on December 16 and stated that she had been working as a private chef on the day of the alleged incident.
She told police that Diggs entered her unlocked bedroom and struck her across the face after a discussion about money she said she was owed.
The woman alleged that when she attempted to push him away, Diggs tried to choke her by placing his elbow around her neck, later throwing her onto the bed and responding with the word “lies” when she said she had not been paid.
Following the alleged assault, the woman left both her job and the residence, staying with a friend. She returned on December 9 to collect her belongings and was directed to Diggs’ assistant, who told her she would need to sign a nondisclosure agreement before receiving payment.
According to the police report, she declined to sign the agreement. Authorities said the woman initially indicated that she did not want to pursue charges, before later deciding to do so.
Diggs’ attorney, David Meier, strongly denied the allegations in a statement, describing them as unfounded. “Stefon Diggs categorically denies these allegations. They are unsubstantiated, uncorroborated, and were never investigated – because they did not occur.
“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. Stefon looks forward to establishing the truth in a court of law,” Meier said.
Following Tuesday’s hearing, Diggs’ legal team indicated it was working toward a potential financial resolution related to the incident, according to the Boston Globe.
The Patriots acknowledged the situation in a statement, confirming they are aware of the accusations. “We support Stefon,” the team said. “We will continue to gather information and will cooperate fully with the appropriate authorities and the NFL as necessary. Out of respect for all parties involved, and given that this is an ongoing legal matter, we will have no further comment at this time.”
The NFL also confirmed it is monitoring the situation, saying it was “aware of the matter” and has been in communication with the Patriots, adding: “We have no further comment at this time.”
Diggs, 32, signed with New England as a free agent last March on a three-year, $69 million deal. He leads the team this season with 82 receptions for 970 yards and four touchdowns.
The Patriots, who sit at 13-3, close the regular season on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins before turning their focus to the AFC playoffs.
