New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs appeared in Dedham District Court in Massachusetts on Friday, February 13, 2026, to enter a plea of not guilty to felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault charges. The allegations stem from an incident involving his personal chef at his home in Massachusetts.
The 32-year-old athlete was released on personal recognizance by Judge Jeanmarie Carroll, with a court order prohibiting any contact with the alleged victim. A pretrial hearing has been scheduled for April 1.
Details of the Court Appearance and Charges
During the brief arraignment, which lasted under five minutes, Diggs stood alongside his attorney while dressed in a white shirt, tie, and gray sweater. Neither Diggs nor his legal counsel spoke to reporters following the hearing. The arraignment had been postponed from January 23 to allow him to participate in Super Bowl LX, where the Patriots were defeated 29-13 by the Seattle Seahawks.
According to court records, the dispute occurred on December 2 at Diggs’ residence. The chef reported an argument over unpaid wages, during which Diggs allegedly slapped her and then attempted to choke her using the crook of his elbow, causing her to have difficulty breathing and feel as though she might lose consciousness.
“tried to choke her using the crook of his elbow around her neck,”
The woman first reported the incident to police on December 16 and initially hesitated to press charges before later formally requesting legal action.
Response from Diggs and Legal Representation
Diggs’ attorney firmly denied the allegations, describing them as unsubstantiated and driven by a financial disagreement. Diggs faces one count each of felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery. The New England Patriots organization issued a statement expressing their support for their wide receiver.
Background on Stefon Diggs’ Football Career
Stefon Diggs signed a lucrative three-year contract worth $69 million with the Patriots during the offseason and has played a key role in the team’s AFC East title run, frequently targeted by quarterback Drake Maye. Diggs entered the NFL in 2015 after being drafted by the Minnesota Vikings and later played for both the Buffalo Bills and the Houston Texans before joining New England. He was photographed warming up before Super Bowl 60 in Santa Clara, California, just days prior to the legal proceedings.
Potential Implications Moving Forward
This legal matter places uncertainty over Diggs’ immediate future with the Patriots, as the scheduled April hearing will determine how the case proceeds. The restrictions placed on Diggs, including no contact with the alleged victim, highlight the gravity of the charges. The resolution of this case will not only affect Diggs’ career but also potentially impact the Patriots organization as they prepare for upcoming seasons.
