At a Glance
- New England Patriots receiver Stefon Diggs faces felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault charges.
- Allegations stem from a dispute with a private chef in Dedham, Massachusetts on Dec. 2.
- Dec. 16: victim filed complaint; Jan. 23: arraignment scheduled.
- Why it matters: The case pits a high-profile NFL player against criminal law, raising questions about athlete conduct and legal accountability.
Stefon Diggs has been charged after a dispute with a private chef in his Dedham, Massachusetts home. The incident, alleged to have occurred on Dec. 2, involved an argument over unpaid wages. Diggs is scheduled for arraignment on Jan. 23.
Charges and Allegations
The complaint lists two felony and misdemeanor counts:
- Felony strangulation or suffocation
- Misdemeanor assault and battery
The victim, a private chef, reported that Diggs entered her bedroom after a text exchange about pay. She said he smacked her face and tried to choke her with the crook of his elbow.
Legal Proceedings
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Dec. 2 | Incident alleged |
| Dec. 16 | Complaint filed |
| Jan. 23 | Arraignment scheduled |
Attorney David Meier stated:
> “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.”
Team and NFL Response
Patriots spokesperson said:
> “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.”
An NFL spokesperson confirmed the league was aware and in contact with the team, but declined to comment further.
Key Takeaways
- Diggs faces serious criminal charges tied to a workplace dispute.
- The case highlights the intersection of sports and legal accountability.
- The outcome will be decided in court on Jan. 23.
The situation underscores the importance of resolving employee-employer conflicts promptly and the potential legal repercussions for public figures.
