Patriots WR Stefon Diggs Facing Felony Strangulation, Misdemeanor Assault Charges
Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs is facing felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault charges related to a December incident. Diggs denies the allegations as his arraignment approaches.
New England star scheduled for arraignment in January; team and NFL monitoring situation
New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs is facing serious legal allegations, including a felony charge of strangulation and a misdemeanor charge of assault, stemming from an alleged incident that occurred on December 2, according to court records.
A motion hearing was held Tuesday morning at Dedham District Court in Massachusetts, with Diggs’ arraignment scheduled for January 23, the Friday before the AFC Championship Game.
Details of the Alleged Incident
According to a police report, a woman contacted authorities on December 16, stating that she had been working as a private chef at Diggs’ residence on the day of the alleged incident.
The woman told police that after a discussion regarding money she said she was owed, Diggs allegedly:
• Entered her unlocked bedroom
• Struck her across the face
• Attempted to choke her using his elbow around her neck
• Threw her onto a bed during the confrontation
She also alleged that Diggs accused her of lying when she said she had not been paid.
Following the alleged incident, the woman said she left the residence and her position, staying with a friend.
NDA Dispute and Timeline
When the woman returned on December 9 to retrieve personal belongings, she said Diggs directed her to his assistant, who allegedly told her she would need to sign a nondisclosure agreement (NDA) before receiving payment. She declined to sign the NDA, according to the report.
Authorities stated the woman initially did not want to file charges but later decided to do so on December 22.
Diggs’ Attorney Denies Allegations
Diggs’ attorney, David Meier, strongly denied the accusations in a statement:
“Stefon Diggs categorically denies these allegations. They are unsubstantiated, uncorroborated, and were never investigated — because they did not occur. The timing and motivation are clear: this stems from an unresolved employer-employee financial dispute. Stefon looks forward to establishing the truth in court.”
Following Tuesday’s hearing, Diggs’ legal team indicated it was working toward a potential monetary resolution, according to the Boston Globe.
Patriots and NFL Respond
The New England Patriots released a brief statement acknowledging the situation:
“We support Stefon. We are aware of the allegations and will cooperate fully with the appropriate authorities and the NFL. Out of respect for all parties involved, we will have no further comment at this time.”
The NFL also confirmed it is aware of the matter and in communication with the Patriots, declining further comment while the legal process unfolds.
On-Field Context.
Key Takeaway
Diggs, 32, signed with New England in March as a free agent on a three-year, $69 million contract. He currently leads the Patriots with:
• 82 receptions
• 970 receiving yards
• 4 touchdowns
The Patriots (13–3) are set to face the Miami Dolphins in their regular-season finale before entering the AFC playoffs.
The case remains in its early legal stages, with Diggs formally denying all allegations. Both the Patriots and the NFL are monitoring developments as the judicial process moves forward.
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