Patriots Receiver Faces Charges Following Alleged Incident on December 2

Will the NFL intervene and suspend Diggs?

The Patriots have secured their position at the top of the AFC East.

New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs has been charged with a felony for strangulation and a misdemeanor for assault due to an alleged incident earlier this month.

Stefon Diggs of the New England Patriots is seen engaging with teammates in a huddle ahead of their game against the Baltimore Ravens last week at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. (Image: Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)

A court hearing was conducted today at the Dedham District Court in Massachusetts. An arraignment is set for January 23, as the AFC Championship Game approaches on January 25, contingent on the Patriots’ progression.

According to the police report summarizing the event, the incident occurred on December 2 when a woman, employed as Diggs’ private chef, allegedly was slapped by Diggs during a discussion related to unpaid wages. When she attempted to push him away, he reportedly tried to choke her by wrapping his arm around her neck and subsequently threw her onto a bed. Initially, the woman chose not to file charges when she reported the incident on December 16 but altered her decision on December 22.

Upcoming Arraignment on January 23

Stefon Diggs vehemently rejects these allegations, claiming they lack substantiation and corroboration, emphasizing that they were never investigated because the events did not take place. His attorney, David Meier, stated, “The timing and motives behind these claims are plainly tied to a financial dispute between employer and employee that remains unresolved to the employee’s dissatisfaction. Stefon is eager to reveal the truth in court.”

Diggs’ legal representatives mentioned that both parties are currently negotiating a financial settlement.

The NFL commented on the matter, stating, “We are aware of the situation and have been in communication with the club. We will not elaborate further at this point.”

Potential League Office Actions

The NFL’s decision will have significant implications for the Patriots’ playoff prospects. A suspension could dramatically alter the team’s chances. Historical context shows the league has acted previously; for instance, Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers was placed on the Commissioner’s Exempt List in October 2024 for charges related to domestic violence and drugs, preventing him from participating in games and practices. He was reinstated in November, acquitted of assault charges in January 2025 (while accepting probation for the drug charge), and ultimately released by the team in August 2025.

In his inaugural season with the Patriots, Diggs has played a pivotal role in leading the team to a first-place finish in the AFC East with a 13-3 record. He has emerged as the top receiver with 970 yards on 82 receptions, averaging 11.8 yards per catch, and has scored four touchdowns. Diggs signed a lucrative three-year, $69 million deal with the Patriots in March. New England will conclude the regular season this Sunday against the Miami Dolphins.

Patriots’ Super Bowl Prospects

As per DraftKings this afternoon, the Patriots are listed at +900 odds to clinch the Super Bowl, trailing behind the Seattle Seahawks (+475), Los Angeles Rams (+550), Denver Broncos (+700), and San Francisco 49ers (+850). BetMGM reports the Patriots have experienced the most significant shift in Super Bowl odds, changing from +12500 to +900.

Interestingly, on the same day, Diggs’ brother, Trevon, a Pro Bowl cornerback, was released by the Dallas Cowboys.