Stefon Diggs: from Patriots star to the courtroom

New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs has found himself at the centre of an off-field controversy after criminal charges were filed against him in Massachusetts, shifting attention away from his NFL season and towards an upcoming court appearance.

Diggs is facing a felony charge of strangulation or suffocation, alongside a misdemeanour assault charge, according to court records. The charges were filed on Monday, December 29, in Dedham District Court and relate to an alleged incident that is said to have taken place on December 2.

He is currently scheduled to be arraigned on January 23, 2026, though the judge overseeing the case has said she will consider delaying the hearing until March. That date would move the proceedings away from the NFL postseason, which the Patriots entered after clinching the AFC East title on December 28.

Patriots issue statement

The New England Patriots confirmed they were aware of the situation and said Diggs denies the allegations.

In a statement, the organisation said the receiver had “categorically” rejected the claims. The Patriots added that they would continue to gather information and cooperate with the relevant authorities and the NFL, while declining to comment further because the matter remains ongoing.

Defence seeks to seal police report

Diggs’ attorney, Michael DiStefano, has moved to have the police report connected to the case impounded. During a remote court appearance, the defence argued that details of the alleged incident should remain sealed at this stage, citing concerns about public disclosure before the case progresses.

Alongside that request, the judge indicated she would consider rescheduling the arraignment, leaving the timeline of the legal process unresolved for now.

From standout receiver to uncertainty

Now 31, Diggs has spent a decade in the NFL after being drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the fifth round in 2015. He quickly established himself as one of the league’s most reliable wide receivers, recording six seasons with more than 1,000 receiving yards.

He later became a key figure for the Buffalo Bills, before a brief stint with the Houston Texans during the 2024 season. That campaign was cut short by an ACL injury in Week 8, ending his year after eight appearances.

Diggs joined the Patriots ahead of the 2025 season and has been part of a team that surged late to secure the division title, making the timing of the charges particularly notable.

Personal life in the spotlight

Beyond football, Diggs has drawn wider attention due to his relationship with rapper Cardi B. The couple welcomed a baby boy in November, just weeks before Diggs’ 32nd birthday. The child is Cardi B’s fourth.

The pair made their relationship public earlier this year, and Cardi B later confirmed the pregnancy during a television interview, describing Diggs as supportive and grounding during a busy period in her life.

For now, Diggs’ future on the field remains intact, but his immediate focus appears to be split between football and a legal process that is still in its early stages. The NFL has yet to issue a public statement on the matter.