BOSTON (AP) — New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs entered a plea of not guilty on Friday to felony strangulation and additional criminal charges, which originated from an alleged altercation with his personal chef. The arraignment took place at the Massachusetts Dedham District Court, where Judge Jeanmarie Carroll presided over the proceedings.
Court Proceedings and Conditions
Judge Carroll released Diggs, who is 32 years old, on personal recognizance, imposing a strict condition that he must have no contact with the alleged victim. A pretrial hearing has been scheduled for April 1 to further address the case.
During the brief court session, which lasted less than five minutes, Diggs appeared dressed in a white shirt and tie beneath a gray sweater. He stood alongside his attorney throughout the hearing. Both Diggs and his legal team opted not to comment to reporters after the proceeding.
Background of the Allegations
According to court documents, the incident allegedly occurred on December 2 at Diggs' residence. The chef reported to Dedham officers that she and Diggs argued over unpaid wages for her services. She claimed that during the dispute, Diggs "smacked her across the face" and then "tried to choke her using the crook of his elbow around her neck," resulting in her experiencing shortness of breath and a sensation that she might lose consciousness.
Police records indicate that the woman first reported the incident on December 16. Initially, she hesitated to pursue charges but later decided to request them, as detailed in the court filings.
Legal Response and Charges
Diggs' attorney has vehemently denied the allegations, stating that he "categorically denies these accusations," describing them as unsubstantiated and driven by a financial disagreement. Diggs faces one count of felony strangulation or suffocation and one count of misdemeanor assault and battery.
The arraignment was originally set for January 23 but was postponed to allow Diggs to participate in Super Bowl LX, where the Patriots suffered a 29-13 defeat to the Seattle Seahawks.
Team and Career Context
The New England Patriots issued a statement expressing their support for Diggs amidst the legal situation. Diggs, who signed a three-year, $69 million contract with the Patriots in the offseason, has been a pivotal target for quarterback Drake Maye during the team's AFC East title campaign.
Prior to his tenure with the Patriots, Diggs was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 2015. He later played for the Buffalo Bills and had a brief stint with the Houston Texans in 2024, establishing himself as a prominent figure in the NFL.
