Stefon Diggs is facing a felony strangulation charge and misdemeanor assault and battery following an alleged incident at his Dedham, Massachusetts home on December 2.
According to court documents obtained Tuesday, the accusations stem from a confrontation with his private chef over unpaid wages. She claims Diggs entered her unlocked bedroom after a text exchange about money, smacked her across the face, then tried to choke her using the crook of his elbow around her neck.
Diggs is scheduled for arraignment on January 23. That date lands just two days before the AFC Championship Game — should the Patriots make it that far into the playoffs.
The defense pushes back hard
Attorney David Meier released a statement calling the allegations "unsubstantiated, uncorroborated, and were never investigated — because they did not occur."
He added: "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."
Diggs' camp attempted to get the police report impounded during Tuesday's court session. Judge Jeanmarie Carroll denied that motion.
Patriots stand behind their receiver
The team released a statement shortly after news broke: "Stefon has informed the organization that he categorically denies the allegations. We support Stefon. We will continue to gather information and will cooperate fully with the appropriate authorities and the NFL as necessary."
The NFL has confirmed they're aware of the matter and in contact with the club.
What makes this particularly complicated timing-wise: New England closes out the regular season Sunday against Miami, fighting for playoff positioning after a resurgent 2025 campaign. Diggs has played all 16 games, racking up 82 catches for 970 yards. He's 30 yards shy of his seventh 1,000-yard season in eight years.
No word yet on whether he'll suit up against the Dolphins this weekend.
The situation also draws attention during what's been an otherwise triumphant year in Foxborough. Drake Maye has emerged as an MVP candidate, and the Patriots have already clinched the AFC East for the first time since 2019.
More details will likely emerge as the case progresses through the courts.