New England Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore, a key figure on the team’s defensive line, is facing a misdemeanor charge of domestic assault and battery following an alleged incident at his Mansfield, Massachusetts home on August 8, 2025. The case, which surfaced publicly just days before the close of the NFL regular season, marks the second time in as many days that a high-profile Patriots player has been hit with criminal charges—wide receiver Stefon Diggs is also under legal scrutiny following a separate alleged incident earlier in December.
According to court documents and police reports obtained by multiple news outlets, the 26-year-old Barmore was charged with one count of assault and battery on a family or household member. The allegations stem from a dispute with his then-girlfriend, who is also the mother of his child and was reportedly pregnant with their second child at the time. The woman told police that the altercation began over disagreements about the household thermostat—Barmore allegedly wanted it set at 68 degrees, while it was at 70—and about her consumption of his food.
The police report details that as the argument escalated, Barmore’s girlfriend tried to speak with her mother on the phone. Barmore allegedly took the phone from her, disconnecting the call. According to the woman’s account, she tried to leave the house and intended to scream for help, but Barmore stopped her, grabbed her by the shirt near the neck, and threw her to the floor. She claimed to have suffered bruises from the incident, and later took a photo of her injuries, which she provided to investigators.
The victim told police she did not report the incident immediately, citing fear of Barmore’s influence and financial resources as an NFL player. She reportedly worried that he could “hire someone to harm her” and that his “handlers” might make her life difficult. It wasn’t until September 9, 2025, that she decided to move forward with criminal charges. A criminal complaint was officially issued on December 16, 2025, and Barmore is scheduled to be arraigned on February 3, 2026—just five days before Super Bowl LX.
Barmore’s attorney, David Meier, issued a statement expressing confidence in his client’s innocence: “We are confident that the evidence will demonstrate that no criminal conduct took place. Based on the facts and the law, we expect that this personal matter will be resolved in the near future and both parties will move forward together.” The Patriots echoed a similar sentiment in their official statement, noting, “The Patriots were made aware at the time of the incident and informed the NFL in a timely manner. The matter remains part of an ongoing legal process. We will respect that process, continue to monitor the situation closely, as we have over the past few months, and cooperate fully with the league. We will have no further comment at this time.”
Head coach Mike Vrabel addressed the media on December 31, 2025, acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations but emphasizing the importance of staying focused as the team prepares for the season’s final game. Vrabel stated, “I haven’t heard anything that would keep either player from the game. The NFL hasn’t told me anything so I don’t want to waste your time on anything. I haven’t had a call with the NFL.” He also confirmed that Barmore was out with illness and would not practice that day but did not elaborate further on the legal matters.
The incident involving Barmore comes on the heels of another legal challenge for the Patriots. Wide receiver Stefon Diggs was charged with felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery after allegedly hitting a private chef during a payment dispute on December 2, 2025. Diggs has denied the allegations, with attorney David Meier, who also represents Barmore, stating, “The timing and motivation for making these allegations are 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.” The Patriots have reiterated their support for Diggs and pledged to cooperate fully with authorities and the NFL.
The NFL, for its part, has confirmed that both Barmore and Diggs are eligible to continue playing while their respective cases are under review as part of the league’s personal conduct policy. The league’s statement indicated that both matters remain under investigation and no disciplinary decisions have been reached at this time.
Christian Barmore, now in his fifth season with New England after being selected in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft out of Alabama, has become a cornerstone of the Patriots’ defense. He has started 15 of 16 games this season, amassing 26 tackles and one sack. Barmore’s consistency on the field has been vital for a Patriots squad that has already clinched the AFC East title and a playoff berth. With one week left in the regular season, New England’s postseason fate is still in play—they could secure the AFC’s No. 1 seed if they defeat the Miami Dolphins on January 3, 2026, and the Denver Broncos lose to the Los Angeles Chargers.
Despite the off-field distractions, the Patriots remain focused on football. The team’s leadership, including Vrabel, has made it clear that while the legal processes must be respected, their priority is maintaining unity and performance on the field as the postseason approaches. The Patriots’ official stance has been to respect the ongoing legal process, monitor the situation, and cooperate with all relevant authorities without further public comment for now.
The unfolding legal situations involving both Barmore and Diggs have undoubtedly cast a shadow over what has otherwise been a successful season for New England. As the team prepares for its playoff run, all eyes will be on how the legal proceedings develop and whether the NFL will take further action as more information comes to light.
For now, both Barmore and Diggs remain eligible to play, and the Patriots are gearing up for a crucial final regular season game that could have significant playoff implications. The outcome of both the legal cases and the team’s postseason campaign remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—these off-field developments will be closely watched by fans, league officials, and the broader sports world alike.
