Stefon Diggs Charged With Strangulation and Assault After Dispute With Private Chef

New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs faces criminal counts of strangulation and assault stemming from an incident earlier this month, according to court documents filed in Massachusetts. The accusations were entered into the public record on Dec. 30, outlining claims by a woman who says she worked as Diggs’ private chef.

The complainant told authorities the confrontation occurred on Dec. 2 during a discussion about money she alleges the player owed her for professional services. In the filing, she states Diggs “smacked her across the face” and placed the crook of his elbow around her neck, restricting her ability to breathe. When she attempted to remove his arm, the document continues, he allegedly tightened his hold before throwing her onto a bed.

Court papers list two charges: one count of strangulation or suffocation and one count of assault and battery. Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 265, Section 15D, strangulation is a felony that carries potential prison time if a defendant is convicted.

Diggs, a nine-year NFL veteran in his first season with New England, has not been arrested. His appearance date in district court has not been set, and no formal plea has been entered. The complaint became public through the clerk’s office after standard processing of criminal applications.

Attorney David Meier, representing Diggs, issued a statement denying the allegations “categorically.” He described the accusations as “unsubstantiated” and “uncorroborated,” adding that they arose from “an employee-employer financial dispute that was not resolved to the employee’s satisfaction.” Meier said the matter had not previously been the subject of a police investigation.

The Patriots acknowledged the filing in a brief written statement. “Stefon has informed the organization that he categorically denies the allegations,” the team said. “We will continue to gather information and will cooperate fully with the appropriate authorities and the NFL as necessary.” Club officials declined to discuss whether Diggs would remain active for upcoming games while the case is pending.

The National Football League confirmed in a separate statement that it is aware of the matter and “has been in contact with the club.” Under the league’s Personal Conduct Policy, the commissioner may place a player on paid administrative leave—known as the Commissioner’s Exempt List—while criminal proceedings move forward. The league did not indicate whether such action is under consideration.

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Diggs, 32, joined New England in March after spending the previous five seasons with the Buffalo Bills. He has been a central figure in the Patriots’ offense, recording 78 receptions for 1,025 yards and eight touchdowns through Week 16. Photographs from Dec. 14 show him standing on the sideline during the national anthem at Gillette Stadium, and he was on the field against the Baltimore Ravens on Dec. 21.

The woman who filed the complaint has not been publicly identified by authorities. According to the sworn statement, she had been providing private chef services at Diggs’ residence before the dispute. The documents do not specify the amount of money she claims was owed or whether other witnesses were present when the alleged assault occurred.

The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office has not commented on the case. If prosecutors decide to move forward, they will present evidence at an arraignment, where Diggs would have the opportunity to plead guilty or not guilty. A conviction on the strangulation charge could result in up to five years in state prison, while assault and battery can carry a maximum penalty of two and a half years in a county jail.

As of Tuesday afternoon, neither the Patriots nor Diggs’ representatives had announced any changes to the player’s status for the team’s next game. League officials indicated that any disciplinary decision would follow standard procedures under the conduct policy, which allows for an internal investigation independent of the criminal process.

Crédito da imagem: Kathryn Riley/Getty Images; Nick Wass/AP