BOSTON (AP) — New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs pleaded not guilty at his arraignment Friday in Massachusetts on felony strangulation and other criminal charges stemming from an alleged dispute with his personal chef.
New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs talks to the media during a news conference Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, in Santa Clara, Calif., ahead of the Super Bowl 60 NFL football game between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
The arraignment at Dedham District Court was postponed until after Super Bowl LX so Diggs could play in the NFL championship game.
Diggs’ arraignment was originally slated for Jan. 23 but was moved to Feb. 13 — five days after the Patriots’ 29-13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks — to accommodate his playing schedule.
According to court records, the woman told Dedham officers she and Diggs argued about money he owed her for her work as his private chef. During the Dec. 2 encounter at his home, she said, he “smacked her across the face” and then “tried to choke her using the crook of his elbow around her neck,” leaving her feeling short of breath.
Diggs’ attorney has said he “categorically denies these allegations,” calling them unsubstantiated and motivated by a financial dispute. The Patriots released a statement saying they support him.
Investigators allege the woman first reported the incident to police on Dec. 16, two weeks after it occurred; she initially hesitated to file charges but later chose to do so, according to court documents.
The arraignment Friday was the first court appearance in the case. A future hearing date was set for April 1.
