Stefon Diggs, wide receiver for the New England Patriots, pleaded not guilty to felony strangulation and related charges during his arraignment on Friday, February 13, at Dedham District Court in Massachusetts. The hearing marked a significant development in the case regarding the charges leveled against him in connection with an incident earlier last year.
Diggs was allowed to remain free on personal recognizance and received a court order mandating that he keep away from the alleged victim. His legal team requested a postponement of the arraignment from the original date of January 23 to accommodate the timing around Super Bowl LX. The next court appearance is scheduled for April 1 for a pretrial hearing.
Legal Representation Changes Before Arraignment
Tensions rose when, one day prior to the scheduled arraignment, Diggs’ initial attorneys withdrew from his defense, according to court filings obtained by the Boston Globe. This unexpected development added complexity to the legal proceedings as Diggs prepared to face the charges.
Defense Attorney Speaks Out After Court Appearance
Outside the courtroom, Diggs’ new attorney Michael Schuster addressed reporters, firmly stating the wide receiver’s innocence in response to the allegations brought against him. Schuster conveyed confidence that a thorough review of the evidence would clear his client.
We’re confident after the facts and evidence are reviewed in this case, he will be completely exonerated,
Schuster said, according to a video published by WEEI.
Details of the Assault Charges Against Diggs
The felony strangulation or suffocation charge relates to an incident that reportedly occurred on December 2, the day after the Patriots defeated the New York Giants. The allegations emerged following a police report filed by a woman who stated she had an ongoing dispute with Diggs regarding unpaid wages.
The woman claimed she was employed by Diggs as his personal chef starting in July for the NFL season. On December 16, she voluntarily visited a police station and provided details about an altercation stemming from a disagreement over a delayed payment for one month’s work. According to police documents, the woman alleged that Diggs confronted her in her room and physically assaulted her, including striking and choking her.
She said that they began to discuss this, which apparently angered the male,
the police report noted.
She alleges that the male then smacked her across the face. She said that she tried to push him away. The male then tried to choke her using the crook of his elbow around her neck.
Although no visible injuries were photographed, the woman stated that she experienced redness on her upper chest following the incident.
Responses from the New England Patriots and the NFL
Following the public announcement of charges against Diggs, both the New England Patriots and the NFL issued official statements regarding the situation. The Patriots acknowledged awareness of the accusations and confirmed that Diggs has denied them. They pledged their support to Diggs while committing to cooperate with law enforcement and the league’s investigations.
The New England Patriots are aware of the accusations that have been made regarding Stefon Diggs. Stefon has informed the organization that he categorically denies the allegations. We support Stefon. We will continue to gather information and will cooperate fully with the appropriate authorities and the NFL as necessary. Out of respect for all parties involved, and given that this is an ongoing legal matter, we will have no further comment at this time,
the team stated via ESPN reporter Mike Reiss.
The NFL also confirmed its awareness of the charges and its communication with the Patriots organization but declined further commentary at this stage.
We are aware of the matter and have been in contact with the club. We have no further comment at this time,
the league said, as reported by Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
Potential Ramifications and Next Steps in the Case
The charges against Stefon Diggs involve serious allegations that could have substantial consequences for both his personal life and professional career. The upcoming pretrial hearing on April 1 will be a critical milestone in determining the direction of the case. As investigations continue, the Patriots and the NFL face scrutiny regarding how they handle players facing legal difficulties.
The incident and ensuing legal process have stirred unrest among fans and the sports community, underscoring the heightened attention on athlete conduct off the field. Diggs’ future with the Patriots and participation in upcoming NFL seasons may depend heavily on the progression and outcome of these legal proceedings.
Stefon Diggs’ attorney, Mitchell Schuster, gives a statement after Diggs pleaded not guilty to assault charges Friday morning, saying he is confident the Patriots receiver will be “completely exonerated.” pic.twitter.com/OqGnSyEypi
— WEEI (@WEEI) February 13, 2026
Patriots statement:
The New England Patriots are aware of the accusations that have been made regarding Stefon Diggs. Stefon has informed the organization that he categorically denies the allegations. We support Stefon. We will continue to gather information and will cooperate…
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) December 30, 2025
From the NFL: “We are aware of the matter and have been in contact with the club. We have no further comment at this time.” https://t.co/vZpI01k7SV
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 30, 2025
