Patriots Star Stefon Diggs Facing Felony Charges Just Weeks After Welcoming Baby With Cardi B
New England Patriots star wide receiver Stefon Diggs is facing serious legal trouble following an alleged incident earlier this month. Court documents released Tuesday from Dedham District Court reveal that the 32-year-old veteran has been charged with felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery.
The charges stem from an incident on Dec. 2 in Dedham, Massachusetts. The timing of the alleged event occurred just one day after the Patriots defeated the New York Giants on Monday Night Football. While the specific details of the altercation have not been made public, the court proceedings on Tuesday provided a glimpse into the ongoing legal strategy.
WCVB-TV reported that during a remote appearance in Dedham District Court, Diggs’ attorney, Michael DiStefano, requested that the police report be impounded. DiStefano argued that the details of the case should remain sealed to avoid "substantial risk of widespread publicity" that could potentially taint the legal process.
In a notable disclosure, DiStefano informed the court that Diggs has already made a financial offer to resolve the dispute with the alleged victim.
“As we speak, they’re working to come to an agreement on that,” DiStefano told the court.
The judge has taken the request to seal the records under advisement and is expected to issue a ruling shortly. Additionally, the court is considering a request to push the arraignment back to March. Currently, Diggs is scheduled to be formally arraigned on Friday, Jan. 23—just two days before the scheduled AFC Championship game.
The New England Patriots issued a statement Tuesday afternoon, expressing support for the receiver while noting his denial of the charges.
“The New England Patriots are aware of the accusations that have been made regarding Stefon Diggs,” the team stated. “Stefon has informed the organization that he categorically denies the allegations. We support Stefon. We will continue to gather information and will cooperate fully with the appropriate authorities and the NFL as necessary.”
The organization concluded by stating they would have no further comment due to the "ongoing legal matter."
The news comes at a critical juncture for the Patriots’ season. After clinching their first AFC East division title since 2019 last weekend, the team is currently vying for a first-round playoff bye.
Diggs has been a centerpiece of the New England offense since joining the team following a torn ACL last year with the Houston Texans. In 17 games this season, he has recorded:
- 82 receptions
- 970 receiving yards
- 4 touchdowns
The veteran receiver has also been in the headlines recently for personal milestones; he and his girlfriend, rap star Cardi B, welcomed a baby boy in November.
This is not the first time Diggs has faced scrutiny this season. Prior to the start of the year, a viral video surfaced showing Diggs on a boat handing out an unknown substance. At the time, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel addressed the matter, stating the team was "aware" of the clip and emphasizing the importance of making "great decisions on and off the field."