Stefon Diggs is under scrutiny following a criminal complaint alleging felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault against the NFL player’s former private chef.
The incident allegedly occurred on December 2 in the New England Patriots receiver’s Dedham, Massachusetts home as a woman, employed as his chef, reported the situation two weeks later on December 16.
A Facebook post sparked attention after a copy of the police report began circulating online, despite lawyers’ attempts to seal the document. The report forms the basis of the criminal case as confirmed by Pro Football Talk.
According to the document, the unnamed woman claims Diggs entered her unlocked bedroom during a dispute over unpaid wages and became physically aggressive, allegedly striking her face.
“She did feel like she had trouble breathing and that she could have blacked out,” the report stated, noting Diggs allegedly tried to choke her with his elbow while she attempted to push him away.
Initially hesitant due to the athlete’s fame as a four-time Pro Bowl player, the chef first declined to pursue charges but reversed her decision on December 23.
The criminal complaint was officially filed on December 29. It’s an accusation Diggs, through lawyer David Meier, denies, blaming the dispute on unresolved financial disagreements.
According to police filings, the chef had previously sought payment in November while Diggs hosted guests, returning on December 9 to collect property, and was told she must sign a non-disclosure agreement to be paid.
Officer Kenneth J. Ellis documented that Diggs allegedly threw the chef on a bed and accused her of lying when she protested about unpaid wages, intensifying the severity of the incident.
New England Patriots stand by Diggs as he denies assaulting a woman
He has been a central figure for the Patriots this season, leading the team with 82 receptions, 970 yards, and four touchdowns.
His on-field performance remains a bright spot for New England and Drake Maye, but now all of that hangs in doubt just weeks ahead of the start of the NFL Playoffs.
“Stefon has informed the organization that he categorically denies the allegations,” the Patriots said in a statement. “We support Stefon and will cooperate fully with authorities and the NFL.”
Diggs‘ career began with the Minnesota Vikings, later starring with the Buffalo Bills. Between 2018 and 2023, he posted six straight 1,000-yard seasons and earned four Pro Bowl selections.
After a brief stint with the Houston Texans, Diggs signed a three-year, $69 million deal with New England, $26 million guaranteed, and has proven a reliable target for the second-year Maye.
His presence helped the Patriots clinch the AFC East for the first time since the seven-time Super Bowl champion, Tom Brady, left.
As the Patriots prepare for the playoffs, this legal matter could have lasting implications for both Diggs‘ career and the team’s postseason prospects. The outcome remains uncertain.
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