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The former Bills receiver has been a key part of New England’s success this season
New England Patriots Wide receiver Stefon Diggs is facing a felony charge of strangulation and a misdemeanor charge of assault after an alleged incident on Dec. 2.
A motion hearing was held Tuesday morning in Dedham District Court in Massachusetts, with Diggs scheduled to appear Friday, Jan. 23, before the AFC Championship Game.
According to a police report, a woman contacted authorities on Dec. 16 and said she was working as a private chef on the day of the alleged incident.
She told police that Diggs entered her unlocked bedroom and after an argument about money she said she owed.
The woman alleged that when she tried to push him away, Diggs tried to choke her by putting his elbow on her neck, later threw her on the bed and responded with the word “liar” when she said she hadn’t been paid.
After the alleged assault, the woman left both her job and residence to stay with a friend. She returned on December 9 to collect her belongings and was directed to Diggs’ assistant, who told her she would need to sign a non-disclosure agreement before receiving payment.
According to the police report, she refused to sign the contract. Authorities said the woman initially indicated she did not want to press charges, before later deciding not to.
Diggs’ attorney, David Meier, vehemently denied the allegations in a statement, calling them baseless. “Stephen Diggs categorically denies these allegations. They are unsubstantiated, unsupported, and have never been investigated – because they haven’t happened.
“The timing and motivation for the allegations are crystal clear: they are the direct result of an employee-employer financial dispute that was not resolved to the employee’s satisfaction. Stefan looks forward to establishing the truth in a court of law,” Meier said.
After Tuesday’s hearing, Diggs’ legal team indicated it was working toward a possible financial settlement related to the incident, according to the Boston Globe.
The Patriots acknowledged the situation in a statement, confirming they are aware of the allegations. “We support Stefan,” the team said. “We will continue to gather information and cooperate fully with appropriate authorities and the NFL as necessary. Out of respect for all parties involved, and as this is an ongoing legal matter, we will have no further comment at this time.”
This NFL It also confirmed it was monitoring the situation, saying it was “aware of the matter” and in communication with the Patriots, adding: “We have no further comment at this time.”
Diggs, 32, signed a three-year, $69 million deal with New England as a free agent last March. He leads the team with 82 receptions for 970 yards and four touchdowns this season.
The Patriots, who sit at 13-3, close the regular season on Sunday Miami Dolphins Before focusing on the AFC playoffs.
