NFL Star’s Felony Strangulation Rocks Playoffs

A Super Bowl contender’s playoff dreams now hang in the balance as their star receiver faces felony strangulation charges just weeks before the most important games of the season.

Story Highlights

New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs charged with felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault from December 2nd incident
Arraignment scheduled for January 23, 2026, just two days before the AFC Championship game
Patriots publicly support Diggs while he categorically denies all allegations through his legal team
Defense attorneys seeking to seal court documents and negotiate financial settlement with alleged victim
Second legal matter for Diggs in recent months following November sexual assault allegation

Championship Dreams Meet Criminal Court

Stefon Diggs walked off the field December 1st after the Patriots’ Monday Night Football victory over the Giants, likely believing his biggest challenge was preparing for the playoffs. Twenty-four hours later, the 32-year-old wide receiver allegedly committed acts that would land him in Dedham District Court facing felony strangulation charges. The timing couldn’t be worse for a Patriots team that just clinched the AFC East championship.

The charges represent serious criminal allegations that carry potential prison time. Felony strangulation or suffocation charges in Massachusetts can result in years behind bars, effectively ending what has been a stellar NFL career spanning nearly a decade. Diggs recorded 82 catches for 970 yards and four touchdowns during his first season in New England, helping propel the franchise back to playoff contention.

Legal Strategy Focuses on Damage Control

Defense attorney Michael DiStefano has moved aggressively to limit public exposure of case details. The legal team appeared in court seeking to impound the police report and seal sensitive information from media scrutiny. This strategy suggests either confidence in negotiating a favorable outcome or concern about damaging revelations that could emerge during public proceedings.

DiStefano has also indicated his client’s willingness to reach a financial settlement with the alleged victim. This approach often signals a desire to resolve matters quickly without the unpredictability of a jury trial. For a player earning millions annually on a three-year Patriots contract, financial resolution may represent the path of least resistance to returning to football.

Patriots Navigate Institutional Loyalty Versus Legal Reality

The Patriots organization issued a carefully crafted statement supporting Diggs while maintaining cooperation with authorities. The franchise stated that Diggs “categorically denies the allegations” and that the team will “support Stefon” throughout the legal process. This measured response reflects the delicate balance professional sports teams must strike when star players face serious criminal charges.

The timing creates unprecedented challenges for playoff preparation. Diggs remains on the active roster, but his availability for postseason games depends entirely on court proceedings and potential NFL disciplinary action. The league has remained silent about potential suspension under its Personal Conduct Policy, likely awaiting legal resolution before acting.

Pattern of Legal Troubles Raises Broader Questions

The December incident represents Diggs’ second legal controversy in recent months. In November, influencer Christopher Blake Griffith accused the receiver of sexual assault, allegations Diggs denied while filing a countersuit. This pattern of accusations during what should be a career highlight season raises questions about decision-making and personal conduct.

The arraignment scheduled for January 23rd places Diggs in criminal court just two days before the AFC Championship game. If the Patriots advance that far, their offensive game plan may depend entirely on whether their star receiver emerges from court proceedings available to play. The intersection of criminal justice and professional athletics rarely creates such dramatic timing.