NFL Overreaction Week 17
USAT’s Prince Grimes breaks down the best games from Week 17 in the NFL and how the playoffs unfold.
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Two players are dealing with off-the-field situations as the New England Patriots battle for the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs in Week 18.
Wide receiver Stefon Diggs is charged with a felony count of strangulation or suffocation and a misdemeanor count of assault, and defensive lineman Christian Barmore is charged with assault and battery.
Manager Mike Vrabel said Wednesday that the team is “aware of these allegations” against both players and intends to pursue legal proceedings.
Diggs spoke with reporters today and apologized for not speaking earlier.
“Sorry, I couldn’t be there for those few days,” he said. “It’s a different time to be dealing with everything. I can’t do that or even say anything about it because it’s obviously an unsolved case.”
He added that he will be available to answer any football-related questions ahead of the Patriots’ final game of the season.
“These are different times and very emotional times,” Diggs said. “I was drawn back to some of the things that have been going on lately.”
Barmore similarly deflected questions related to his case during his first media appearance this week.
“We’re focused on Miami and playing football,” he said in response to a question related to his incident.
The Patriots did not comment in a statement on both situations beyond saying the franchise is aware of both cases and will fully cooperate with the league.
The team said of Barmore:
“The New England Patriots are aware of reports regarding the pending February arraignment of Christian Barmore stemming from an alleged domestic incident in August. The Patriots were aware at the time of the incident and notified the NFL in a timely manner.”This matter is part of an ongoing legal process. We respect that process and, as we have for the past few months, will continue to closely monitor the situation and cooperate fully with the league. There are no further comments at this time. ”
Here is the team’s statement regarding Diggs:
“Stephon has informed the organization that he categorically denies the allegations. We stand by him. We will continue to gather information and cooperate fully with the appropriate authorities and the NFL as necessary. Out of respect for all involved, and given that this is an ongoing legal matter, we will have no further comment at this time.”
Vrabel said Wednesday he expects both players to be on the field in Week 18 against the Dolphins.
“I haven’t heard anything that would take either player out of the game,” Vrabel said. “I haven’t heard anything from the NFL. … I haven’t had any contact with the NFL.”
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