New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs is facing assault and strangulation charges in Massachusetts.
The charges were filed Monday in Dedham District Court, according to CBS Boston. Diggs, 32, has been charged with felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery. The charges appear to stem from a December 2 incident, but few details are available.
Diggs has said he “categorically denies the allegations,” according to a statement from team officials.
“We support Stefon. 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 team said in a statement.
Diggs’ attorney, David Meier, said in a statement to The Independent his client denies the allegations against him, arguing the the claims 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.
Diggs is expected to appear in court on January 23 for his arraignment.
Attorney Michael DiStefano, who is also on Diggs’ legal team, requested in court Tuesday that the details of the police report remain sealed. While the prosecution did not oppose the request, the judge appeared to push back, according to The Boston Globe.
“There is an interest in some transparency in the process here,” Judge Jeanmarie Carroll reportedly said.
DiStefano also revealed Diggs has made a financial offer to the alleged victim.
“As we speak, they’re working to come to an agreement on that,” he said in court, according to Boston 25 News.
The Independent has contacted the New England Patriots for comment.
Diggs agreed to a three-year, $69 million contract with the Patriots in March, after recovering from an ACL tear which ended his first season with the Houston Texans, according to the NFL. Diggs is also a father, and he welcomed a baby boy with rapper Cardi B in November.
The Patriots’ next game is scheduled for Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. Last weekend, the Patriots won the AFC East title for the first time since 2019 after defeating the New York Jets. Diggs ended the match with 101 receiving yards and a touchdown, according to ESPN.
This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.
