At a Glance
- Patriots defensive lineman Christian Barmore charged with assault.
- Wide receiver Stefon Diggs accused of strangling his chef.
- Team preparing for playoff game vs Dolphins.
- Why it matters: Legal woes could impact Patriots’ playoff push.
The New England Patriots are confronting a back-to-back legal crisis as defensive lineman Christian Barmore faces a domestic assault charge and star wide receiver Stefon Diggs is accused of strangling his personal chef. The drama unfolds just days before the team’s season finale against the Miami Dolphins and its first playoff berth since 2021.
Patriots Respond to Dual Allegations
Head Coach Mike Vrabel emphasized that the organization is taking both allegations seriously while awaiting court outcomes. He also noted Barmore’s absence due to illness and his non-attendance at practice.
Head Coach Mike Vrabel said:
> “The New England Patriots are taking the allegations against two players seriously, but the court proceedings still need to play out.”
New England Patriots released a statement:
> “The New England Patriots are aware of reports regarding a pending February arraignment involving Christian Barmore, which stems from an alleged domestic incident that occurred in August. The Patriots were made aware at the time and informed the NFL in a timely manner. The matter remains part of an ongoing legal process. We will respect that process, continue to monitor the situation closely, as we have over the past few months, and cooperate fully with the league. We will have no further comment at this time.”
Details on Christian Barmore’s Charge
Barmore, 26, is charged with one count of assault and battery on a family/household member stemming from an incident on Aug. 8 in Mansfield. Court documents describe an argument over air conditioning that escalated when Barmore grabbed and threw the woman to the floor. She later filed a restraining order and said she was pregnant but wanted no further ties.
- Dating relationship of 3 ½ years
- Has a child together
- Filed restraining order
- Pregnant but seeks no ties
Barmore’s Season Performance
Despite the legal turmoil, Barmore remains a key defensive asset, having played all 16 games this season with 12 solo tackles and one sack. He missed most of the 2024 season due to blood clots.
| Season | Games Played | Solo Tackles | Sacks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 16 | 12 | 1 |
| 2024 | Missed most due to blood clots |
Key Takeaways
- Barmore faces assault charge amid back-to-back legal issues.
- Diggs accused of strangling his chef adds to Patriots’ scrutiny.
- Court outcomes could affect Patriots’ playoff campaign.
The legal challenges surrounding Barmore and Diggs add a tense backdrop to what could be a historic season for the franchise.
