The New England Patriots are navigating a difficult and highly sensitive situation after wide receiver Stefon Diggs was formally charged in connection with a Dec. 2 incident, according to court records reviewed by CBS Boston.
Diggs is facing charges of felony strangulation or suffocation, along with misdemeanor assault and battery, stemming from the alleged incident. Paperwork was filed in Dedham District County Court, where Diggs’ legal team appeared on his behalf Tuesday.
The Patriots organization acknowledged the allegations shortly after the charges became public.
“The New England Patriots are aware of the accusations that have been made regarding Stefon Diggs,” the team said in an official statement. “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. Out of respect for all parties involved, and given that this is an ongoing legal matter, we will have no further comment at this time.”
Diggs is scheduled to appear in court on Friday, January 23, for his arraignment—a date that falls just two days before the AFC Championship Game, should New England advance that far.
The NFL also issued a brief statement acknowledging the situation.
“We are aware of the matter and have been in contact with the club,” the league said. “We have no further comment at this time.”
The timing of the case adds another layer of complexity for New England. The Patriots are set to close out the 2025 regular season at home against the Miami Dolphins and have already clinched a playoff berth by winning the AFC East. At 13–3, New England remains in contention for the No. 1 seed in the AFC, which they could secure with a win over Miami combined with a Denver Broncos loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.
Diggs has been a central figure in the Patriots’ resurgence this season. In his first year back from a torn ACL, the veteran receiver quickly emerged as quarterback Drake Maye’s preferred target, providing consistency and explosive playmaking in a young offense.
Through Week 17, Diggs has recorded 82 receptions for 970 yards, both team highs. He is just 30 receiving yards shy of becoming New England’s first 1,000-yard receiver since Julian Edelman in 2019. Diggs is coming off one of his strongest performances of the season, hauling in six catches for 101 yards in a win over the New York Jets.
The 31-year-old receiver is in the first year of a three-year, $69 million contract, signed with expectations that he would help guide the Patriots back into legitimate championship contention after several rebuilding seasons.
Now, however, those football ambitions are unfolding against the backdrop of serious legal uncertainty.
At this stage, the allegations remain unresolved, and Diggs has categorically denied any wrongdoing. No disciplinary action has been announced by either the Patriots or the NFL, and league policy typically defers punishment until the legal process is further along or completed.
As the postseason approaches, the Patriots face the challenge of maintaining focus amid mounting scrutiny. How the situation develops—both in court and within the league’s review process—could have significant implications not only for Diggs’ future, but also for New England’s playoff run.
For now, the case continues, the investigation remains ongoing, and one of the NFL’s most productive receivers enters January with his on-field performance and off-field circumstances under intense examination.
