Former Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs is facing a likely NFL suspension after he was hit with several serious charges related to an incident in December — though the punishment may not come until after the season has ended.
Boston 25 News, citing legal filings, reported on Tuesday that the New England Patriots wide receiver was facing several charges related to an alleged assault.
“Diggs is charged with felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery charges stemming from an incident on Tuesday, Dec. 2, a day after the Patriots thrashed the New York Giants on ‘Monday Night Football,’ court filings show,” the report noted.
The league regularly suspends players who face charges of that sort, even when the charges are dropped or don’t proceed through the legal system. That could loom over Diggs and the Patriots as they head to the NFL playoffs with the potential to grab the No. 1 overall seed.
Stefon Diggs Could Avoid Criminal Charges
Though details of the alleged incident were not yet clear, Boston 25 News reported that the wide receiver’s attorney made a remote appearance in Dedham District Court to ask that the police report be impounded and details remain sealed.
“[Attorney Michael] DiStefano also disclosed to the court that Diggs has made a financial offer to resolve the dispute with the alleged victim in this case,” the report noted.
Diggs’ lawyer said the two parties were working toward an out-of-court agreement.
âAs we speak, theyâre working to come to an agreement on that,â DiStefano said.
The report added that Diggs was scheduled to be arraigned on Friday, Jan. 23 — two days after the AFC Championship is scheduled — but the judge agreed to consider a request to extend the date to March.
NFL Suspension Could Wait
If Diggs does face an NFL suspension, it could likely come sometime in 2026. While players are regularly suspended for violating the league’s personal conduct policy, the NFL often allows the charges to play out through the legal system.
When Buffalo Bills edge rusher Von Miller faced serious assault charges in Dallas in November 2023, it took the league close to 10 months before announcing a four-game suspension for the following season.
The Bills could face the Patriots in the playoffs, with New England having won the AFC East after Buffalo’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. The Bills will enter the playoffs as a wild card but could land anywhere from the No. 5 to the No. 7 seed.
The Patriots released a statement saying they were aware of the charges and supporting the former Bills receiver.
âThe New England Patriots are aware of the accusations that have been made regarding Stefon Diggs. Stefon has informed the organization that he categorically denies the allegations. We support Stefon,â the statement read. âWe will continue to gather information and will cooperate fully with the appropriate authorities and the NFL as necessary. Out of respect for all parties involved, and given that this is an ongoing legal matter, we will have no further comment at this time.â
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