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New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs is facing both felony and misdemeanor charges following an alleged incident that reportedly occurred in Massachusetts earlier this month.
According to court filings, the 32-year-old NFL star has been charged with felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery in connection with an alleged December 2 incident. A motion hearing was held Tuesday at Dedham District Court, where Diggs' legal team requested that police reports and related documents remain sealed ahead of his scheduled arraignment.
Diggs' attorney, Michael R. DiStefano, argued that releasing the records at this stage could negatively affect the case due to intense public scrutiny. He told the court that making the documents public posed a "substantial risk of widespread publicity" that could prejudice proceedings. DiStefano also revealed that discussions are underway to resolve the matter financially with the alleged victim, stating, "As we speak, they're working to come to an agreement on that."
The judge said she would issue a ruling on whether the documents should be impounded and is also considering a defense request to delay Diggs' arraignment from January 23 to March. As currently scheduled, the arraignment would take place just days before the AFC Championship Game.
The New England Patriots acknowledged the situation in a statement, confirming that Diggs has denied the allegations. "Stefon has informed the organization that he categorically denies the allegations," the team said, adding that it is monitoring the situation and will cooperate with both law enforcement and the NFL.
The league also confirmed awareness of the matter but declined to comment further due to the ongoing legal process.
Diggs, who joined the Patriots last offseason, has been a key contributor this year, leading the team in receptions and receiving yards as New England clinched its first AFC East title since 2019. The team remains in contention for a first-round playoff bye heading into the final week of the regular season.
Outside of football, Diggs and recording artist Cardi B recently welcomed a baby boy together in November.
At this time, no additional details about the alleged incident have been made public. Diggs is expected to be arraigned on January 23 unless the court approves the defense's request for a postponement.