New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs, one of the NFL’s most dynamic talents, is now at the center of a high-profile legal battle just as his team gears up for the postseason. Diggs, 32, faces serious criminal charges—felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery—stemming from an alleged incident on December 2, 2025, at his Dedham, Massachusetts home. The timing couldn’t be more dramatic: Diggs’ arraignment is set for January 23, 2026, only two days before the AFC Championship Game, a contest the Patriots could well be playing in given their strong season.
The charges, according to court records and multiple local news outlets, arise from a dispute with a private chef Diggs had employed since July. The chef, who had been living in a room at Diggs’ home for the NFL season, claims the altercation began over unpaid wages. She alleges that Diggs owed her a month’s pay as of early December. On December 2, after a series of text exchanges about the money, Diggs reportedly entered her unlocked bedroom, confronted her about the pay dispute, and the situation escalated.
According to the Dedham police report, the chef told officers that Diggs “smacked her across the face” and, when she tried to push him away, he “tried to choke her using the crook of his elbow around her neck.” She described having trouble breathing and worrying she might black out. The report notes that she observed redness on her upper chest, but did not photograph her injuries. Initially, the chef declined to press charges or seek a restraining order, telling police she was hesitant because of Diggs’ fame. However, on December 22, she changed her mind and decided to pursue charges.
Diggs, through both his attorney and the Patriots organization, has vehemently denied the allegations. In a statement released to the media, the Patriots said, “Stefon has informed the organization that he categorically denies the allegations. We support Stefon. We will continue to gather information and will cooperate fully with the appropriate authorities and the NFL as necessary. Out of respect for all parties involved, and given that this is an ongoing legal matter, we will have no further comment at this time.”
Diggs’ attorney, David Meier, echoed the denial, stating, “Stefon Diggs categorically denies these allegations. They are unsubstantiated, uncorroborated, and were never investigated -- because they did not occur. The timing and motivation for making the allegations is crystal 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 legal team representing Diggs has also moved to have the police report sealed, arguing in court that public release of the details could generate “substantial risk of widespread publicity” that might taint the case. During a recent hearing, Diggs’ attorney, Michael DiStefano, disclosed that they were working on a financial settlement with the alleged victim, stating, “As we speak, they’re working to come to an agreement on that.” The presiding judge has taken the request to impound the report under advisement and will rule on it soon, while also considering a request to extend Diggs’ arraignment date to March. For now, the arraignment remains scheduled for January 23.
The NFL has confirmed it is aware of the case and has been in contact with the Patriots, but has declined to offer further comment while the legal process unfolds. “We are aware of the matter and have been in contact with the club. We have no further comment at this time,” said league spokesman Brian McCarthy.
For the Patriots, the controversy comes at a pivotal moment. The team, led by rookie quarterback Drake Maye and guided by head coach Mike Vrabel, has enjoyed a resurgent season. With a 13-3 record, New England has clinched its first AFC East division title since 2019 and is positioned to secure a first-round playoff bye if they defeat the Miami Dolphins in their regular season finale and the Denver Broncos lose to the Los Angeles Chargers. Diggs has been a critical part of the Patriots’ success, emerging as Maye’s favorite target and leading the team in all major receiving categories.
In 17 games this season, Diggs has hauled in 82 receptions for 970 yards and four touchdowns, putting him just 30 yards shy of becoming the Patriots’ first 1,000-yard receiver since Julian Edelman in 2019. His most recent performance—a six-catch, 101-yard outing against the New York Jets—underscored his importance to the offense and his value to the team’s playoff hopes. Diggs is currently in the first year of a three-year, $69 million contract he signed with New England in March, which includes $26 million guaranteed.
The off-field drama has cast a shadow over what had otherwise been a triumphant season for both Diggs and the Patriots. The wide receiver’s personal life has also been in the spotlight, as he and his partner, rap superstar Cardi B, welcomed a baby boy in November. Their growing family and Diggs’ high-profile move from the Houston Texans to the Patriots earlier this year had made him one of the most talked-about figures in the NFL, even before the recent allegations.
Patriots fans and the broader football community are now left to wonder how the legal proceedings will impact Diggs’ availability for the playoffs and whether the team’s championship ambitions could be derailed by events off the field. The Patriots have emphasized that they will continue to support Diggs while cooperating with authorities, but have refused to speculate further as the legal process continues.
This is a developing story, and more details may emerge as the court date approaches. For now, the focus remains split between the Patriots’ quest for another Super Bowl run and the serious allegations facing one of their star players. The next chapter in this saga will unfold in Dedham District Court on January 23, with the football world watching closely to see what comes next for Stefon Diggs and the New England Patriots.
As the postseason looms and the legal case inches toward resolution, all eyes are on Foxborough and Dedham. The outcome could shape not just the fate of a player, but the trajectory of an entire franchise in the weeks to come.
