Post by : Meena Ariff

New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs is facing serious legal trouble after being charged with felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault following an alleged dispute with his former private chef.

The charges came to light after a court hearing held Tuesday in Dedham, Massachusetts. According to court documents, the incident allegedly occurred in late November during a disagreement over payment for work performed at Diggs’ home.

Police records state that the woman reported Diggs entered her bedroom while she was employed as his private chef and became angry during a discussion about unpaid wages. She told officers that Diggs struck her across the face and later restrained her from behind, using his arm around her neck, making it difficult for her to breathe. She said she feared she could lose consciousness.

The police report further alleges that Diggs threw the woman onto a bed while dismissing her claims of unpaid compensation. The woman later left her job and the Dedham residence but returned in early December to retrieve her belongings. At that time, she claimed she was told she would need to sign a non-disclosure agreement before receiving payment, which she declined.

Initially hesitant to pursue charges, the woman later decided to move forward with a criminal complaint, prompting police to file charges against Diggs. His arraignment is scheduled for January 23.

Diggs’ attorney, David Meier, strongly denied the allegations, stating that they are false, unproven, and motivated by an unresolved financial dispute. Meier said the incident described by the accuser never occurred and emphasized that Diggs denies all wrongdoing.

The New England Patriots also issued a brief statement expressing support for the player, saying the team stands by Diggs as the legal process unfolds.

Diggs, 32, is one of the NFL’s most accomplished wide receivers, having recorded six consecutive 1,000-yard seasons between 2018 and 2023 while playing for Minnesota and Buffalo. After a short stint in Houston, he signed a three-year, $69 million deal with New England, becoming a key target for quarterback Drake Maye.

Despite his on-field success and role in helping the Patriots reclaim the AFC East title, Diggs’ off-field issues have drawn attention before. Earlier this year, a video circulating on social media showed him handing a mysterious pink substance to women on a boat, though no charges were filed related to that incident.

As the legal case develops, Diggs’ future with the Patriots and his availability for the postseason could face increased scrutiny.

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