Stefon Diggs is facing charges of strangulation and other criminal offenses related to an incident earlier this month, according to police reports. The New England Patriots have issued a statement regarding their star wide receiver.

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What Should You Know About The Charges?

This news emerged after Stefon Diggs’ lawyer attended a court hearing on Tuesday in Dedham, Massachusetts. The incident reportedly took place on December 2. The details leading to the charges remain unclear, as reported by the Associated Press. His charges include felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery. Diggs is scheduled to return to court on January 21 for a motion hearing.

Meanwhile, citing a “newly released incident report,” TMZ states that the incident involves his former private chef, who filed a police report on December 16. The female employee claims that Stefon entered her bedroom on December 2 to discuss a text exchange regarding money owed. She alleges that during the conversation, Stefon became angry, slapped her across the face, and “attempted to choke her using the crook of his elbow around her neck.” She reportedly tried to push him away, but he allegedly began choking her and tightened his grip. The personal chef stated she could not breathe and “could have blacked out.” Diggs reportedly released her by throwing her onto the bed and saying something like, “Thought so.” When she attempted to advocate for her alleged missing pay, Diggs allegedly responded with “lies” before leaving her room.

Additionally, the woman informed police that she did not photograph her injuries but had redness on her upper chest area. At the time of the incident, she stated that she had not received her monthly pay. Employment with Diggs began in July and was supposed to last through the 2025 NFL season. Although they initially agreed on weekly payments, this later changed to monthly payments, according to the incident report.

Stefon Diggs’ Lawyer Denies Allegations

Stefon Diggs’ lawyer, David Meier, told the Associated Press in an emailed statement that Diggs “categorically denies these allegations.” Attorney Meier asserted that these allegations never occurred and described them as unsubstantiated and uncorroborated.

“The timing and motivation for making the allegations is crystal clear: they are the direct result of an employee-employer financial dispute that was not resolved to the employee’s satisfaction,” Meier wrote.

New England Patriots Respond To Diggs’ Charges

In a statement, the Patriots expressed their support for Diggs: “We support Stefon,” said the team. The full memo clarifies that they are aware of the charges and that the wide receiver has denied the allegations in discussions with them. While the team stands by Diggs, their statement also mentioned they will continue to gather information about the incident and “cooperate fully” with authorities and the NFL.

“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.”

After a disappointing stint in Houston last year, Stefon Diggs joined New England. He signed a three-year deal worth $69 million in free agency, which guaranteed him $26 million. Diggs has proven to be a reliable target for second-year quarterback Drake Maye. Furthermore, he has played a significant role in helping the team clinch the AFC East title as they head toward the playoffs.

However, off the field, his time with the New England Patriots started on a rocky note. In May, a video surfaced on social media showing Stefon appearing to pass what looked like a bag of pink crystals to women on a boat. It was unclear what substance was involved, and an NFL spokesperson stated that the league would not comment on it. Patriots coach Mike Vrabel indicated that the team would address this matter internally.

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Associated Press writer Michael Casey contributed to this report via AP Newsroom.