Former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs is “facing serious criminal charges,” according to a new report.
One of the charges Diggs faces is a felony.
It has been six seasons since Diggs last played for the Vikings. But he was a star for the organization, showing up big in the highest-profile games. This latest incident, though, is unfortunate both in nature and timing.
Ex-Vikings Star Stefon Diggs Facing Felony Charge
GettyStefon Diggs #8 of the New England Patriots looks on during a game against the Buffalo Bills.
“New England Patriots star Stefon Diggs is facing serious criminal charges, Boston 25 News has learned,” Boston 25 News’ Frank O’Laughlin wrote on December 30. “Diggs is charged with felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery 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.
“Diggs’ attorney, Michael DiStefano, made a remote appearance in Dedham District Court on Tuesday, seeking to have the police report impounded, arguing that the details should remain sealed.”
Per O’Laughlin, Diggs offered financial restitution to settle the matter outside of court.
Diggs is scheduled for arraignment on January 23. That is days before the AFC Championship Game, though the judge overseeing the proceedings agreed to consider an extension.
Diggs is in his first season with the Patriots. He signed in free agency after one season with the Houston Texans and four with the Buffalo Bills. The Vikings signed Diggs, a four-time Pro Bowler and a First-Team All-Pro in 2020, with the 146th overall pick in the 2015 draft.
Diggs and the Patriots are the No. 2 seed in the AFC and are tied for the NFL’s best record.
NFL & Patriots Issue Statements Regarding Stefon Diggs
(Photo by Jordan Bank/Getty Images)Stefon Diggs #8 of the New England Patriots celebrates a first down against the Carolina Panthers.
Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio noted that the attempts from Diggs’ camp are unlikely to succeed with the NFL. The ex-attorney believes the league will want answers.
So far, the league has only told O’Laughlin and Boston 25 News in a statement that they “are aware of the matter and have been in contact with the club. We have no further comment at this time.”
The Patriots have also issued a statement regarding the matter, in which they stand by Diggs.
“The New England Patriots are aware of the accusations that have been made regarding Stefon Diggs,” a Patriots spokesperson said, per Florio on December 30. “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. 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.”
Diggs has had other legal issues, including two lawsuits over alleged sexual assault that came to light in the past year-plus.
Diggs is signed through 2027 on a three-year, $63.5 million contract with the Patriots.
Despite how much time has passed, Diggs has the ninth-most receptions in a single season and is 10th in career receiving yards in Vikings franchise history. The Vikings notably used one of the draft picks they received from the Bills in the trade for Diggs on Justin Jefferson.
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