Patriots’ Stefon Diggs charged with felony strangulation
New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs has been charged in Dedham District Court with felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault.
- New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs has been charged with a felony count of strangulation and a misdemeanor count of assault.
- The charges were filed in Dedham District Court on Monday, Dec. 29, following the Dec. 2 incident.
- Diggs’ attorney requested that the police report be seized and kept sealed.
- The Patriots organization said it is aware of the allegations, which Diggs denies, and supports him.
New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs faces a felony charge of strangulation or suffocation, along with misdemeanor assault, according to online court records reviewed by USA TODAY.
The charges were filed in Dedham District Court on Monday, Dec. 29, and stem from an alleged incident on Tuesday, Dec. 2.
According to Boston 25 News, Diggs’ attorney, Michael DiStefano, filed an appeal for police to suppress the report, arguing during a remote appearance in Dedham District Court that details of the incident report should be sealed.
The Patriots said in a statement that they are aware of the accusations and support Diggs.
“Mr. Stephon has informed the organization that he categorically denies the allegations. We stand by Mr. Stephon,” the statement said. “We will continue to gather information and cooperate fully with appropriate authorities and the NFL as necessary. Out of respect for all involved and given that this is an ongoing legal matter, we will not be commenting further at this time.”
The USA TODAY Network obtained a police report accusing a woman, Diggs’ former personal chef, of slapping Diggs and putting her hands around his neck after an argument over pay at Diggs’ home in Dedham, Massachusetts. The report was filed on Dec. 16, and she initially did not press charges, but did so a week later.
Diggs’ attorney, David Meyer, also reiterated that his client “categorically” denies the charges.
“They are unsubstantiated, unsubstantiated and never investigated because they didn’t happen,” Meyer said in a statement. “The timing and motive of the charges are clear. They are the direct result of a financial dispute between an employee and an employer that was not resolved to the employee’s satisfaction. Mr. Stephon looks forward to uncovering the truth in court.”
The incident reportedly occurred the night after the Patriots defeated the New York Giants 33-15 on Monday Night Football on December 1st. The NFL said it was aware of the matter.
Diggs’ girlfriend, singer Cardi B, gave birth to a son in November.
Diggs was scheduled to be arraigned on January 23, 2026, two days after the AFC Championship Game. On December 28th, the Patriots won the AFC East. The judge said he would consider moving the arraignment to March with a motion to seal.
On the field, Diggs has become a reliable target for second-year QB Drake Maye. The University of Maryland product had 82 receptions, 970 yards and four touchdowns in his first season in New England.
