Stefon Diggs Trial Date Set: Patriots Ex-Player Faces Assault Charges

Former New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs is scheduled to face trial on May 4 in a criminal case stemming from assault and strangulation allegations tied to a dispute with a former private chef. A judge set the trial date during a pretrial hearing in Dedham District Court on Wednesday, April 1, advancing a case that has drawn significant attention across the football world. Prosecutors allege the incident occurred last year inside Diggs’ residence and resulted in multiple criminal charges, including felony strangulation or suffocation and assault and battery.

Diggs did not attend the hearing. Court records show he is currently out of state, and the judge did not require his presence during the proceeding. During the hearing, attorneys for both sides addressed several pending motions. The discussion focused on defense requests for access to text messages and emails that lawyers say could support Diggs’ account of the dispute. The parties also resolved procedural questions surrounding a protective order governing communications and evidence in the case.

The charges stem from an alleged dispute between Diggs and his personal chef over money he owed her for her work. According to court documents, the chef told Dedham police that Diggs smacked her across the face and tried to choke her using the crook of his elbow around her neck. The alleged assault occurred on Dec 2 in Diggs’ home. The woman initially hesitated to file charges, but eventually reported the incident to police on Dec 16, according to investigators.

Procedural History and Plea

Diggs first appeared in court in early February for his arraignment. The wide receiver was initially supposed to be arraigned on Jan. 23, but the hearing was postponed until after Super Bowl LX so Diggs could play in the NFL championship game. The proceeding lasted slightly more than a minute. The veteran football player entered a not guilty plea and left the courthouse without addressing reporters.

The court released Diggs on personal recognizance. As part of the order, he must avoid contact with the alleged victim while the case moves through the legal system. Diggs was arraigned in early February in a hearing that lasted just over a minute. He pleaded not guilty and was released on personal recognizance bail and ordered to stay away from the victim.

Outside the courthouse after the arraignment, Diggs’ attorney, Mitchell Schuster, said the former Patriots receiver intends to fight the charges and expects the evidence to clear his name. Schuster said afterward that Diggs is innocent, adding that he would be shocked if the case went to trial. We are confident that after the facts and evidence are reviewed in this case he will be exonerated, Schuster said. It’s a shame that this had to happen today. It’s frustrating for him to have to be here knowing what really happened.

Stefon Diggs categorically denies these allegations. They are unsubstantiated, uncorroborated, and were never instigated — because they did not occur.

David Meier, Diggs’ attorney

In a statement, Diggs’ attorney David Meier addressed the motivation behind the accusations. The timing and motivation for making these allegations are clear: They are the direct result of an employee-employer financial dispute that was not resolved to the employee’s satisfaction, Meier said. Schuster added that the defense believes a full review of communications and witness accounts will reshape the case.

Patriots Organization Response

In December, the Patriots put out a statement voicing their support for Diggs. Stefon has informed the organization that he categorically denies the allegations. We support Stefon, the statement said. We will continue to gather information and will cooperate fully with the appropriate authorities and the NFL as necessary. Last month, Diggs learned the Patriots were releasing him, and he bid goodbye to fans on social media. Diggs signed a three-year deal with the Patriots last offseason.

Legal observers say testimony may prove decisive. A legal analyst with NBC10 Boston said the prosecution could face difficulty without direct testimony from the alleged victim. The case really will hinge on who’s credible here, as to what took place in his house between the two of them, Coyne said. Absent her testifying, it is almost an impossible case for the government to succeed without the witness testimony.

The scheduled trial now marks the next stage in a closely watched legal battle involving football’s most recognizable wide receivers. Courts will determine whether the evidence supports the charges against Diggs. The trial is scheduled to begin May 4 in Dedham District Court, court records show. Diggs, who was released by the Patriots last month, is facing several criminal charges stemming from an alleged dispute with his former private chef last year.