BOSTON — Stefon Diggs, the wide receiver for the New England Patriots, recently pleaded not guilty to serious charges involving an alleged altercation with his personal chef. During his arraignment at the Dedham District Court in Massachusetts, which was delayed until after the Super Bowl, Diggs was scheduled for a pretrial hearing on April 1.
The incident reportedly happened on December 2 at Diggs’ home. According to court documents, the chef claimed they had a heated argument over unpaid wages. She alleged that Diggs slapped her and attempted to choke her with his arm, leaving her struggling to breathe.
Diggs’ attorney firmly denies these allegations, asserting they stem from a financial dispute. “These claims are baseless,” said Mitchell Schuster, adding that the facts will tell a different story. He expressed confidence in Diggs’ innocence, stating, “He will be completely exonerated.”
The chef initially reported the incident to the police two weeks later, on December 16. This delay raised questions about the timeline and motives. Public interest in the case remains high, especially given the NFL’s scrutiny of player behavior.
In recent years, the league has faced criticism for handling misconduct allegations. A survey by the Sports Management Institute found that over 70% of NFL fans believe teams should take a stronger stance against players involved in legal issues. This situation could further shape the narrative surrounding player accountability in professional sports.
For more on legal cases involving athletes, you can explore the National Sports Law Institute for insights and updates.
As the case unfolds, both Diggs and the Patriots face a critical moment. The outcome could reflect on both his reputation and the organization’s commitment to its players.
