The New England Patriots reportedly have no plans to cut Stefon Diggs in the wake of a viral video which showed the wide receiver handling a bag containing an unknown substance while on a yacht surrounded by scantily-clad women.
Diggs was seen shirtless on the boat, chatting with three women who were all dressed in bikinis and called him ‘daddy.’ That is despite his girlfriend, rap star Cardi B, also partying aboard the boat.
After the video flooded social media, reports emerged that the Patriots could release the receiver just a couple of months after signing him on a three-year, $69million contract.
But on Monday, Diggs returned to practice with New England and NFL Network reports that the Patriots are determined to keep the receiver.
Though OTAs are optional, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network claimed: ‘Stefon Diggs showing up today felt about as mandatory as it could be.’
Diggs signed with the Patriots after a year with the Texans. He suffered a season-ending ACL injury back in October but was back on the field on Monday.
NFL wide receiver Stefon Diggs was recently seen surrounded by bikini-clad women
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel addressed the viral video last week
‘He’s a very good player, they intend to pay him a lot of money – they haven’t yet – especially after he passed the physical from his ACL recovery,’ Rapoport continued.
‘This is a player they want to keep, want to be making plays for them – that’s why they signed him in free agency to such fanfare.
‘He just has to be better and this was a step in the right direction for Diggs and certainly something the Patriots welcomed.’
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel addressed the video last week but refused to reveal whether Diggs – a four-time Pro Bowler – would be sanctioned.
‘It’s something we’re aware of and obviously we want to make great decisions on and off the field,’ Vrabel said. ‘Any conversations that I’ve had with Stefon will remain between him and I and the club.’
After the video went viral, an insider told the Daily Mail that Cardi B ‘doesn’t want her man flirting with any ladies… she is mad at him.’
But Diggs appeared in good spirits when he attended Patriots OTAs on Monday, telling reporters as he took to the field: ‘Nice to see y’all’
Ahead of his return, Diggs posted a cryptic message on social media, sharing a series of snaps from recent weeks alongside the caption: ‘To the month of May, I appreciate you none the less… gotta stay focused.’
Cardi B posted a photo of her and Diggs on a boat in the wake of the viral video
Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, meanwhile, did not seem overly concerned with Diggs’ recent absence.
‘It’s a voluntary part of the year, we know that,’ he told reporters. ‘I don’t know if we’ve ever had perfect attendance.’
He continued: ‘As a coach, selfishly, you’d love it when they’re all here, because you feel like you’ve got them all in the classroom and all on the field and the rest of it.
‘He’s here today, and we’re excited to have an opportunity to work with the guys that are out here and available to us.’
