Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs pleaded not guilty to a felony charge of strangulation and a charge of misdemeanor assault and battery on Friday, the Associated Press reports. He’s scheduled for a pretrial hearing on April 1.
The charges against Diggs, which came to light on Dec. 30, stem from an alleged incident that took place Dec. 2. Diggs’ former personal chef told police he entered her unlocked bedroom during a financial dispute and “smacked her across the face.” She added that Diggs “tried to choke her using the crook of his elbow around her neck.”
Although Diggs made a financial offer to settle the matter, his attorney, David Meier, has claimed the alleged victim’s version of events “did not occur.” Mitchell Schuster, another member of Diggs’ legal team, expressed confidence on Friday that his client “will be completely exonerated” (via TMZ).
Friday’s arraignment had been scheduled for Jan. 23, two days before the AFC title game, but it was postponed three weeks. That enabled Diggs to evade potential disciplinary action from the NFL during the postseason. The league otherwise could have placed him on paid leave.
Diggs and the Patriots beat the Broncos to win the AFC, but they fell 29-13 to the Seahawks in Super Bowl LX last Sunday. While their season didn’t end well, the campaign was nonetheless a resounding success for the Patriots. Diggs, whom the Pats brought in on a three-year, $63.3MM deal last spring, ended up an integral part of their dramatic one-season turnaround in 2025.
After winning four games in 2024, the Patriots stunningly went 14-3 en route to AFC East and conference crowns. Diggs led the Patriots in receptions (85), targets (102) and yards (1,013), also adding four touchdowns. While his production was very good in 2025, the Patriots could move on from Diggs this offseason if they’re concerned with his off-field issues and age (32).
If Diggs is still a Patriot on March 13, $6MM of his $20.6MM base salary for next season will become guaranteed. Releasing him before then would open up $18.5MM in spending room and leave the team with $8MM in dead money.
Regardless of how the Patriots proceed with Diggs, the league will continue to closely monitor his legal situation during the offseason. Depending on how it unfolds, a suspension could be on the table at some point in 2026.
At least he got the Super Bowl out of the way.
Of course, what matters most to the ‘League’, honorable conduct or the revenue from games?
We all know that answer.
Once there was a ‘catch phrase’, “respect the integrity of the League” yet it’s morphed into “protect the almighty $”
No league could have less integrity then the NFL
Well, at first thought you’d think so, but there’s the NBA.
And MLB.
And FIFA.
You watch those?
He and Barmore could have carpooled to their arraignments.
I didn’t realize he played in that game!
Are you saying that he…choked?
Allegedly choked.
Typical Patriots
It’s not often you see a guy choke professionally and then plead not guilty of not choking in his personal in the same week.
“Your Honor, Exhibit A…”
Dindu Nuffin…
The league that shoves love and peace in your face employs these guys at will. The virtue signaling and hypocrisy is astounding.
He was upset seeing arsenic in the spice rack
There’s no telling what some people will do for a Klondike Bar.
If corners were as easy to beat as women then Diggs would’ve had 3 tuddys in the Super Bowl.
When Diggs was walking off the field he knew his next stop was the courthouse
So he Trevor Bauered her unconsensually. Nice league.