New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs is dealing with serious legal trouble after being charged with felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault stemming from an alleged incident on Dec. 2.
A motion hearing was held Tuesday morning in Dedham District Court in Massachusetts. Diggs is scheduled to be arraigned on Jan. 23, the Friday ahead of the AFC Championship Game.
According to police records, a woman reported the incident to authorities on Dec. 16. She told officers she was employed as a private chef and was working at Diggs’ residence on the date in question. The woman alleged that Diggs entered her unlocked bedroom and struck her in the face following a disagreement over unpaid wages. The report states that when she attempted to defend herself, Diggs allegedly placed his elbow around her neck in a choking motion. She also claimed he threw her onto a bed and dismissed her claims of not being paid by saying, “lies.”
Following the alleged confrontation, the woman said she left her job and stayed with a friend. When she returned to the residence on Dec. 9 to collect her belongings, she was directed to Diggs’ assistant, who allegedly told her she would need to sign a nondisclosure agreement before receiving payment. Police say she declined to sign the agreement.
Diggs has strongly denied the allegations. The Boston Globe reported that Diggs’ legal team indicated they are attempting to reach a financial settlement related to the matter.
The Patriots acknowledged the situation in a statement, saying the organization is aware of the allegations and will continue to cooperate with both law enforcement and the NFL.
“We support Stefon and will continue gathering information,” the team said. “Out of respect for everyone involved and given the ongoing legal process, we will not comment further.”
The NFL also confirmed it is aware of the situation and is in communication with the Patriots, but declined to comment further.
Diggs, 32, signed with New England last March on a three-year deal worth $69 million. He currently leads the team with 82 catches for 970 yards and four touchdowns.
The Patriots, who sit at 13-3, close the regular season Sunday against the Miami Dolphins before beginning their postseason run.
