Introduction: NFL Star Stefon Diggs Faces Serious Legal Trouble
New England Patriots star wide receiver Stefon Diggs has been thrust into a major legal controversy after being charged with felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault and battery following an alleged incident in Dedham, Massachusetts earlier this month. The charges add to an already high-profile season for the NFL standout as the Patriots chase postseason success.
Details of the Incident and Police Report
According to recent court filings and the police report, the incident is said to have occurred on December 2, 2025, at Diggs’s residence. Local police received a complaint from a female personal chef who had been employed by Diggs, alleging that the two got into a dispute over unpaid wages.
The police narrative included the following key details:
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The woman claims Diggs slapped her in the face during the confrontation.
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She alleges Diggs then attempted to choke her using his arm, wrapping his elbow around her neck.
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The chef reported feeling difficulty breathing and feared she might have blacked out.
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After the alleged incident, the woman temporarily left Diggs’s home but returned days later to collect her belongings and discuss her wages.
These details are drawn from an official police narrative that was initially sought to be sealed by Diggs’s legal team, though parts of the report have since surfaced online.
Felony Charges Explained
The charges against Stefon Diggs include:
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Felony Strangulation or Suffocation – Under Massachusetts law, this charge carries significant potential penalties, including multiple years in prison if convicted.
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Misdemeanor Assault and Battery – A lesser charge but still serious, involving physical contact and potential injury to another person.
Felony strangulation charges in particular are treated seriously by prosecutors due to the dangerous nature of restricting another person’s airway.
Diggs’s Response and Legal Defense
Stefon Diggs has categorically denied the allegations, with his attorney labeling the claims as unsubstantiated and financially motivated. His lawyer argues that the dispute was the result of a business disagreement over compensation and that the alleged incident never occurred.
Diggs’s legal team has also filed a motion to impound the police report and related documents to limit premature public scrutiny and has requested that certain filings remain sealed.
Patriots and NFL Reaction
The New England Patriots organization released a statement expressing support for Diggs while acknowledging the seriousness of the situation. The team said it is cooperating with authorities and the NFL but will not comment further while proceedings are ongoing.
The National Football League (NFL) has also been made aware of the charges, although no public disciplinary action has been announced at this time.
Upcoming Court Proceedings
An arraignment is scheduled for January 23, 2026, in Dedham District Court. Diggs’s defense has asked the judge to delay proceedings and potentially reschedule the arraignment for later due to ongoing legal strategy and the public interest surrounding the case.
This date falls just days before a possible AFC Championship Game appearance for the Patriots, adding complexity to both Diggs’s legal outlook and his team’s postseason hopes.
Conclusion
The Stefon Diggs strangulation case has captured national attention, not only because of his status as a top NFL wide receiver, but also due to the serious nature of the felony charges and the police report details that have emerged. As the case moves through the legal system, it is likely to remain a significant topic in both sports and legal news cycles.
Stay tuned for updates as court proceedings unfold, legal arguments develop, and additional details from law enforcement and official filings become public.