New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel expressed confidence that the criminal cases against receiver Stefon Diggs and defensive lineman Christian Barmore will not distract his team. This week, the team is pursuing the AFC’s top seed in the playoffs. Diggs is facing strangulation and other criminal charges related to a dispute with his former private chef, while Barmore faces a misdemeanor domestic assault and battery charge after his girlfriend filed a report against him.

RELATED: Yikes! Stefon Diggs’ Lawyer And New England Patriots Respond To His Strangulation Charges

What Happened Between Christian Barmore & His Girlfriend?

Christian Barmore’s girlfriend reported to police on August 25 that he had thrown her to the ground three weeks earlier at his home outside Boston. A criminal complaint was issued on December 18.

According to the Associated Press, the woman informed police that she had taken their daughter early on August 8 into Barmore’s bedroom. At that time, Barmore was upset because the thermostat was set 2 degrees warmer than he preferred. She indicated that their daughter wanted to see him. However, she said Barmore “picked up the child, placed her on the floor just outside the master bedroom, turned back into the room and slammed the door shut,” as per police reports. As she packed her belongings to leave later that day, Barmore allegedly took her phone and disconnected a call with her mother. When she attempted to go to the front door to call for help, police stated that Barmore allegedly “grabbed her before she could and threw her to the floor.” Furthermore, he grabbed her by the shirt but “eventually let go,” allowing her to get up, she told police. A car provided by the Patriots picked up the woman and their daughter and transported them to Delaware. She presented police with a photo showing bruises she claimed were caused when she was thrown to the floor.

Stefon Diggs’ lawyer, David Meier, also represents Barmore. The attorney released a statement on Wednesday (December 31) asserting that evidence in Barmore’s case “will demonstrate that no criminal conduct took place.” The arraignment for the 26-year-old is scheduled for early February.

Patriots Head Coach Says Charges Won’t Affect Team’s Game

The New England Patriots currently hold a record of 13-3 and have secured their first AFC East title since 2019. With a victory against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday and a loss or tie by the Denver Broncos against the Chargers, New England would also secure the conference’s top seed in the playoffs and earn a first-round bye.

“I think these are allegations. … Things that we have to handle,” Coach Mike Vrabel stated. “Every day there are distractions, some are smaller than others. I’m confident that we’ll focus on the Dolphins. And those two individuals (Diggs and Barmore) will be able to handle the ongoing legal process.”

Coach Vrabel mentioned that Christian Barmore is dealing with an illness and was absent from practice on Wednesday (December 31). Meanwhile, Diggs did not speak with reporters on Wednesday as he typically does throughout the season but was present in the locker room prior to practice and participated on the practice field with the team.

How Is The NFL Reacting To Barmore & Diggs’ Charges?

The NFL stated in a release that both players, Christian Barmore and Stefon Diggs, are eligible to play when the Patriots host the Dolphins. However, the league is investigating the alleged incidents under its Personal Conduct Policy. This policy could lead to both players being placed on the Commissioner’s Exempt List, which would prevent them from practicing or playing in games while under investigation.

Teammates of Diggs and Barmore indicated that things were business as usual as the team returned to practice.

“They’re our brothers no matter what. And at the end of the day we’re focused on the Dolphins,” right tackle Morgan Moses remarked.

What Did Patriots Receiver Stefon Diggs Do?

The charges against Stefon Diggs became public following a court hearing on Tuesday in Dedham, Massachusetts. According to police reports, his personal chef informed investigators that Diggs hit her and attempted to choke her during a discussion about money. The Patriots expressed their support for Diggs in a statement released on Tuesday after these allegations surfaced.

“We’ve made a statement and we’ve taken these allegations very seriously,” Coach Mike Vrabel commented. “I don’t think we have to jump to any sort of conclusions right now. Let the process take its toll.”

Diggs’ lawyer, David Meier, stated in an email that Diggs “categorically denies these allegations.” Meier described these claims as unsubstantiated and uncorroborated. A court arraignment for Diggs is scheduled for January 23.

RELATED: Paternity Test Reportedly Confirms Stefon Diggs Is Father Of 7-Month-Old Baby Girl Shared With Model Aileen Lopera

AP Sports Writer Kyle Hightower and AP reporters Mike Casey and Mark Scolforo contributed to this report via AP Newsroom.