Stefon Diggs is used to headlines for what he does on Sundays. This week, the spotlight hit different.
The New England Patriots’ star wideout is now facing criminal charges in Massachusetts tied to an alleged incident earlier this month. Court records filed in Dedham District Court and released Tuesday show Diggs has been charged with felony strangulation or suffocation, along with misdemeanor assault and battery, connected to a situation reported on Dec. 2 in Dedham. Beyond that, officials are keeping the details close to the vest, the NY Post reports.
The Patriots didn’t duck the news. In a brief statement, the team confirmed it’s aware of the accusations and said Diggs has “categorically denied” the allegations.
New England added that it will continue to gather information and fully cooperate with both law enforcement and the NFL, but won’t say more while the case plays out. Diggs is currently set to be arraigned on Jan. 23, though a judge is weighing a request that could push that date back to March.
Inside the courtroom Tuesday, Diggs’ attorney made a move to keep the police report sealed, arguing that the details shouldn’t be public while the case is still active.
The defense also revealed that a financial offer has been made in an attempt to settle the dispute with the alleged victim. As of right now, no deal has been finalized, and the judge said she’ll take everything under advisement before ruling later.
All of this is unfolding at a wild moment for New England. The Patriots just locked up the AFC East and are rolling into the postseason as one of the conference’s top teams. If they keep winning, the AFC Championship Game is set for Jan. 25 — just two days after Diggs’ currently scheduled court appearance.
On the field, Diggs has been doing what he’s always done: produce. The 11-year NFL vet has hauled in 82 catches for 970 yards and four touchdowns this season, continuing to be a major piece of the Patriots’ offense.
Off the field, his life has been just as headline-worthy. Diggs is dating rapper Cardi B, and the couple welcomed a child together in November.
For now, court officials say there’s no additional information available. As the Patriots chase a Super Bowl run, Diggs is navigating a much different kind of pressure, one that won’t be decided by the scoreboard.