Patriots: Star WR Stefon Diggs Facing Strangulation, Assault Charges

Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs is facing serious legal trouble after being charged with felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery, according to court documents obtained by Boston 25 News. The charges stem from an alleged incident that occurred on Tuesday, Dec. 2, one day after New England’s win over the New York Giants.

Diggs’ attorneys appeared in court in Dedham on Tuesday and requested that the police report be impounded, arguing that the details of the case should remain sealed. A judge has not yet issued a ruling on that request. Diggs is scheduled to be arraigned on Friday, Jan. 23, just two days before the AFC Championship game.

The situation unfolds at a critical time for the Patriots, who recently secured their first AFC East title since 2019 and remain in position to earn a first-round playoff bye with a Week 18 win and a Denver Broncos loss. On the field, Diggs has been a key contributor this season, recording 82 receptions for 970 yards and four touchdowns over 17 games.

New England Patriots statement:

"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. 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."

Dedham Police Department Report:

“She said that on this date, the male that she worked for entered her unlocked bedroom. They had been having an ongoing text exchange over money owed to (victim). She said that they began to discuss this, which apparently angered the male.

“She alleges that the male then smacked her across the face. She said that she tried to push him away. The male then tried to choke her using the crook of his elbow around her neck. She said that he was behind her with his arm wrapped around her. She said that she did feel like she had trouble breathing and that she felt like she could have blacked out. She said that as she tried to pry his arm away, he tightened his grip. At that point, the male threw her onto the bed.

“He said something to the effect of, ‘Thought so.’ And then she told him that she still hasn’t been paid. At that point, the male said, ‘lies’ and walked out of the room.”

Stefon Diggs' Lawyer, David E. Meier, Statement:

"Stefon Diggs categorically denies these allegations. They 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.”

NFL Statement:

"The NFL is aware of the matter and have been in contact with the club. We have no further comment at this time."

This story is developing, check back for the latest updates.