...
By Gabe Whisnant
News Editor
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs is facing felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery charges stemming from an incident earlier this month, police said. The charges became public following a court hearing Tuesday in Dedham, Massachusetts.
What To Know
A police narrative included in court filings said a woman went to the Dedham Police Department on Dec. 16 and reported that she was assaulted earlier this month while working as a private chef for Diggs. She told police that Diggs entered her bedroom and became angry during a dispute over money, then struck her across the face and tried to choke her by placing the crook of his elbow around her neck.
Read More on News
According to the filing, the woman said she had sought payment for a week in November when Diggs had houseguests and she was sent home. She left her job and the Dedham home but returned on Dec. 9 to retrieve personal belongings. At that time, she told police, Diggs referred her to an assistant, who said she would have to sign a nondisclosure agreement before being paid, which she declined to do.
...
The woman initially was reluctant to pursue charges, the report said, but later told police she had changed her mind and wanted criminal charges filed.
“She said that he was behind her with his arm wrapped around her,” wrote Officer Kenneth J. Ellis. “She said that she did feel like she had trouble breathing and that she felt like she could have blacked out.” Diggs threw her on a bed and said “lies” when she told him she had not been paid, Ellis wrote.
Diggs’ attorney, David Meier, said in an emailed statement to the Associated Press that the 32-year-old “categorically denies these allegations.” Meier described the claims as unsubstantiated and uncorroborated, and said they arose from an unresolved financial dispute between Diggs and an employee.
“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.
Stefon Diggs' NFL Highlights
Diggs established himself as one of the NFL’s top wide receivers during stints with Minnesota and Buffalo from 2018 to 2023, posting six consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons. After a brief and less productive stop in Houston last year, he joined New England as one of the Patriots’ most significant offseason acquisitions.
This season, Diggs has emerged as a reliable target for second-year quarterback Drake Maye and has played a key role in the Patriots’ run to an AFC East title as the team heads into the playoffs.
“The New England Patriots are aware of the accusations that have been made regarding Stefon Diggs. Stefon has informed the organization that he categorically denies the allegations. We support Stefon,” the Patriots said in a statement. “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.”
Off the field, Diggs’ time with the Patriots drew attention earlier this year after a video circulated on social media in May showing him handing what appeared to be a bag of pink crystals to women on a boat. The nature of the substance was unclear, and an NFL spokesperson said the league would not comment. Patriots coach Mike Vrabel said at the time that the team would address the matter internally.
What to know about Stefon Diggs’ and Cardi B’s relationship
Diggs and rap star Cardi B have kept much of their relationship private, though it became publicly known in 2024. The couple welcomed a baby boy in November, according to multiple reports, marking Diggs’ first child and Cardi B’s fourth. Both have continued to maintain busy public careers, with Diggs playing a key role in the Patriots’ offense and Cardi B remaining active in music and entertainment.
...
What do Stefon Diggs’ charges mean for New England Patriots?
The charges against Diggs introduce uncertainty for the Patriots (13-3) as they push toward the postseason after clinching their first AFC East title since 2019. A win in Week 18 combined with a Denver Broncos loss would secure a first-round bye for New England.
While Diggs remains active on the roster and has denied the allegations, the case could draw scrutiny from the NFL under its personal conduct policy, which allows the league to discipline players regardless of criminal case outcomes.
Any potential suspension or absence would be significant for New England’s offense.
The 10-year veteran wide receiver is scheduled to be arraigned Friday, Jan. 23, two days before the AFC Championship game.
Updates: 12/30/25, 1:22 p.m. ET: This article was updated with new information and remarks.
Updates: 12/30/25, 7:01 p.m. ET: This article was updated with new information and remarks.
This article includes reporting by the Associated Press.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines