DEDHAM, Mass. — New England Patriots star wide receiver Stefon Diggs appeared in Dedham District Court on Friday, February 13, where he formally pleaded not guilty to felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault charges. The arraignment, which lasted less than five minutes, comes just days after the Patriots' defeat in Super Bowl LX and marks the beginning of a significant legal battle for the 32-year-old NFL veteran.
Diggs Faces Felony Strangulation Charges in Massachusetts
Dressed in a gray suit and flanked by his legal team, Diggs stood silently as the charges were read. The allegations stem from a December 2, 2025, incident involving his former personal chef at his home in Dedham. Prosecutors allege that a dispute over unpaid wages escalated into physical violence, with the accuser claiming Diggs slapped her across the face and placed her in a chokehold using the crook of his elbow.
The court released Diggs on personal recognizance but issued a strict no-contact order with the alleged victim. "My client is completely innocent of these false allegations," said Diggs' attorney, Mitchell Schuster, outside the courthouse. "We are confident that once all facts are presented, Mr. Diggs will be fully exonerated." A pre-trial hearing has been scheduled for April 1, ensuring this legal saga will continue well into the NFL offseason.
Legal Proceedings Delayed for Super Bowl LX
The timing of the arraignment was a point of contention leading up to the NFL championship game. Originally scheduled for January 23, the hearing was postponed by a judge to allow Diggs to travel and compete in Super Bowl LX against the Seattle Seahawks. The decision sparked debate regarding special treatment for high-profile athletes, though legal experts noted such delays are not uncommon for defendants with travel obligations.
The delay allowed Diggs to take the field at Levi's Stadium, but the looming legal cloud appeared to shadow the team's preparation. The Patriots ultimately fell to the Seahawks 29-13 in a game where the New England offense struggled to find its rhythm. Diggs, who signed a three-year, $69 million contract with the Patriots last offseason, was a key part of the team's run to the AFC title but was unable to secure a ring amidst the off-field distractions.
Details of the Personal Chef Allegations
According to police reports, the altercation reportedly began when the chef confronted Diggs about payment for her services. The police narrative describes a heated exchange that turned physical when Diggs allegedly entered the employee's bedroom. The accuser told investigators she struggled to breathe during the alleged strangulation and felt as if she might lose consciousness.
The chef did not initially report the incident immediately but went to authorities on December 16, two weeks after the alleged altercation. Defense attorneys have seized on this delay, characterizing the accusations as a "financial dispute" rather than a criminal matter. They argue the charges are unsubstantiated and motivated by the employee's dissatisfaction with her compensation.
Patriots and NFL Monitor Offseason Developments
The New England Patriots organization has maintained a supportive stance publicly, releasing a statement shortly after the charges were filed. "Stefon has informed the organization that he categorically denies the allegations. We support Stefon and will continue to gather information," the team stated. However, the seriousness of a felony strangulation charge places Diggs squarely under the microscope of the NFL's Personal Conduct Policy.
Even if acquitted in criminal court, Diggs could face suspension from the league if an independent investigation determines he violated league conduct standards. The NFL typically waits for legal proceedings to conclude before issuing discipline, meaning Diggs' status for the start of the 2026 season could remain uncertain for months.
This criminal case is not the only legal issue facing the receiver. Just days before the Super Bowl, a separate civil lawsuit was filed against Diggs regarding a defamation claim involving a stolen Ferrari, adding another layer of complexity to his offseason. As the Patriots look to regroup after their Super Bowl loss, the organization must now navigate the uncertainty surrounding one of their highest-paid stars.
