Court Appearance in Dedham
New England Patriots wide receiver New England Patriots standout Stefon Diggs was arraigned Friday in Massachusetts on charges of felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault and battery. The charges stem from a December 2025 incident in which Diggs allegedly assaulted a private chef during a dispute at his residence. He entered a plea of not guilty through his attorney and was released on his own recognizance. A judge ordered that Diggs have no contact with the alleged victim, directly or indirectly, as the case proceeds.
Allegations Tied to Wage Dispute
According to court documents, the incident allegedly began as a disagreement over unpaid compensation. The chef told investigators that Diggs became angry during the exchange and struck her before allegedly placing his elbow around her neck, restricting her breathing. Authorities say the woman reported difficulty breathing before she was able to push him away. The complaint was filed weeks after the alleged altercation, according to police records referenced in court.
Defense Denies Claims
Diggs’s attorney has publicly denied the allegations, calling them unsubstantiated and characterizing the situation as a financial disagreement rather than a criminal act. The defense maintains that the alleged assault did not occur. At the arraignment, Diggs did not address the court directly, and no detailed evidence was presented, as is typical during this early procedural stage.
Next Steps in the Case
The case now moves toward a pretrial hearing scheduled for April 2026. Prosecutors will determine whether to pursue the charges at trial or seek a resolution beforehand. Under Massachusetts law, strangulation is treated as a serious felony offense due to its potential lethality, even in the absence of visible injuries. The Patriots organization has not issued an extensive public statement beyond acknowledging the legal matter. The NFL could also review the case under its personal conduct policy, though no league discipline has been announced. As the legal process unfolds, the focus will shift to evidentiary hearings and whether prosecutors can substantiate the claims beyond the initial complaint. For now, Diggs remains free pending further court proceedings.
