Patriots WR Stefon Diggs Faces Felony Strangulation Charge Tied to December Incident; Legal Fight Could Impact Playoff Push
Written by b87fm on 12/30/2025
New England Patriots star wide receiver Stefon Diggs has been charged with felony strangulation or suffocation along with misdemeanor assault and battery following an incident earlier this month in Massachusetts, according to multiple reports.
The development surfaced after Boston 25 News reported that Diggs’ attorney, Michael DiStefano, appeared remotely in Dedham District Court on Tuesday. DiStefano urged the court to seal records connected to the case, arguing that details should remain confidential while the legal process unfolds. The judge said she would take the request under advisement and issue a ruling.
BREAKING: New England Patriots star Stefon Diggs is charged with felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery charges stemming from an incident on Dec. 2. I was inside the courtroom before we broke the story. Full report later tonight @boston25 https://t.co/rcuTeFpr4Z
— Elly Morillo (@ellymorillotv) December 30, 2025
Court records indicate the incident allegedly occurred on December 2, just one day after New England’s win over the New York Giants.
Defense Seeks Confidentiality — And A Possible Settlement
During the hearing, Diggs’ attorney revealed that the NFL veteran has already made a financial offer to the alleged victim, stating that both sides are engaged in ongoing discussions in hopes of reaching a resolution.
Even with potential sealing of the police report, analysts note the NFL will likely demand access to details as part of its Personal Conduct Policy review. League observers point out Diggs could be placed on the Commissioner’s Exempt List, depending on how serious findings become.
Under Massachusetts law, strangulation or suffocation is classified as a felony offense. Authorities have not yet released additional public evidence, and specific allegations have not been fully disclosed.
Patriots and NFL Respond
The New England Patriots issued a statement acknowledging the charges while voicing support for Diggs:
“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 NFL echoed that it is monitoring the situation, saying officials are “aware of the matter” and in communication with the Patriots.
Court Dates, Postseason Stakes, and What Comes Next
Diggs is currently scheduled for arraignment on Friday, January 23, though his legal team has asked to push the date back to March — a request now under consideration.
The timing creates major uncertainty for New England as the team heads into the AFC postseason after clinching the division title. Diggs has remained one of the Patriots’ most productive offensive weapons this season, posting 82 receptions, 970 receiving yards, and four touchdowns across 17 games.
As of now, Diggs remains eligible to play, with neither the team nor the league announcing disciplinary action. Whether legal developments or league intervention ultimately affect his postseason availability remains an open question — one that could have serious implications on the Patriots’ Super Bowl ambitions.
This remains an ongoing story, and additional details are expected as court filings, league review, and negotiations continue.
