Stefon Diggs Postpones Arraignment Amid Assault Allegations
New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs has successfully obtained a postponement of his arraignment regarding allegations of assault against his personal chef. Originally scheduled for January 23, the new court date is set for February 13, just five days after the upcoming Super Bowl 2026 in Santa Clara, California.
Background of the Allegations
- Incident Date: December 2
- Location: Diggs’s home in Dedham, Massachusetts
- Accusations:
- Allegedly slapped and choked his personal chef over a financial dispute.
- Charges include strangulation or suffocation, with reports detailing that the chef claimed she was assaulted to the point of losing consciousness.
Diggs has firmly denied these accusations through his attorney, David Meier, who cited a "previously scheduled professional commitment" as the reason for the postponement. Judge Jeanmarie Carroll approved this request, allowing Diggs to participate fully in the NFL postseason.
Implications for the NFL Postseason
The timing of the arraignment postponement is significant as the Patriots (13-3), who are currently leading the AFC East, prepare to face the Los Angeles Chargers (11-6) in the Wild Card round, scheduled for Sunday at Gillette Stadium. With the arraignment now after the Super Bowl, it suggests Diggs will remain available for the entirety of the playoffs and avoid being placed on the NFL Commissioner’s Exempt List, which would grant him paid leave during this time.
Quotes from Stefon Diggs
In a recent statement, Diggs shared his feelings on the situation:
“It’s been an emotional time, dealing with everything… It’s definitely an open case, so I can’t even say anything about it.”
This acknowledgment sheds light on the stress surrounding both the legal matters and the pressures of competing at a high level in the playoffs.
Other Developments
In related news, Christian Barmore, a star defensive tackle for the Patriots, is also facing legal trouble. He has been charged with a domestic assault stemming from an incident in Mansfield on August 8. Barmore, who is also represented by Meier, confronts charges of assault and battery against a family or household member.
Conclusion
As the Patriots gear up for their playoff journey, the focus will not only be on their performance on the field but also on how the off-field controversies involving players like Stefon Diggs and Christian Barmore may impact the team dynamic. Fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on the upcoming legal proceedings and the implications for these athletes’ futures with the franchise.
For further updates on Stefon Diggs and other NFL news, visit ESPN and NFL.com.
