Patriots star Stefon Diggs is facing criminal charges in connection with an incident that the wide receiver “categorically denies,” according to the organization and multiple published reports.
“The New England Patriots are aware of the accusations that have been made regarding Stefon Diggs,” the organization said in a statement Tuesday morning. “Stefon has informed the organization that he categorically denies the allegations. We support Stefon.”
“We will continue to gather information and will cooperate fully with the appropriate authorities and the NFL as necessary,” the organization added. “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.”
According to published reports, Diggs is facing criminal charges stemming from an incident on Dec. 2, a day after the Patriots improved to 10-3 following a blowout win over the New York Giants on “Monday Night Football.”
Diggs is charged with felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery charges.
Diggs’s attorney, Michael DiStefano appeared remotely in Dedham District Court on Tuesday to request that police documents in the case be impounded.
The judge denied the motion and released a set of redacted documents.
Another Diggs attorney, David Meier, said in a statement to TMZ Sports that “Stefon Diggs categorically denies these allegations. They are unsubstantiated, uncorroborated, and were never investigated — because they did not occur. The timing and motivation for making the allegations is crystal clear: they are the direct result of an employee-employer financial dispute that was not resolved to the employee’s satisfaction. Stefon looks forward to establishing the truth in a court of law.”
An arraignment is set for Jan. 23, two days before the AFC Championship.
In a statement shared with the Herald, a spokesperson for the NFL said, “We are aware of the matter and have been in contact with the club. We have no further comment at this time.”
In response to a Herald inquiry, the Norfolk District Attorney’s Office said it does not comment on matters pending before the arraignment date.
The Patriots sit at 13-3 heading into the team’s season finale on Sunday against the Dolphins at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro. The team clinched the AFC East in Week 17, after beating the Jets, 42-10.
Diggs ranks as the top target for MVP-contending QB Drake Maye, posting 82 receptions, 970 yards and four touchdowns. The receiver has recorded back-to-back performances of over 100 yards.
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