Patriots WR Stefon Diggs Charged With Strangulation

Stefon Diggs, a wide receiver for the New England Patriots, is facing criminal charges for strangulation and assault. Court records unsealed on December 30, 2025, confirm the filing of these charges against the NFL player.

The legal documents indicate that Diggs is currently charged with two specific offenses: strangulation and assault. These charges represent serious allegations that could have significant implications for his professional career and personal reputation. The Patriots organization now faces the challenge of responding to these developments while the legal process unfolds.

As of the filing date, the charges remain pending, meaning no conviction has been secured and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The case is expected to proceed through the judicial system in the coming months.

Court records establish that Stefon Diggs is formally charged with two criminal counts. The specific charges listed in the documents are strangulation and assault. These charges were officially filed and recorded in the court system on December 30, 2025.

The nature of these charges suggests a serious legal situation. Strangulation is often prosecuted as a felony offense due to the potential for significant physical harm. Assault charges can vary in severity depending on the circumstances and jurisdiction, but they generally involve intentional physical contact or the threat of such contact.

At this stage of the legal process, the charges represent allegations rather than convictions. The judicial system will need to determine whether the prosecution can prove these charges beyond a reasonable doubt. This process typically involves investigation, pre-trial motions, and potentially a trial.

The New England Patriots must now navigate the complex intersection of professional sports management and serious legal allegations against a key player. As a wide receiver on the roster, Diggs represents a significant investment for the franchise both on the field and in terms of salary cap allocation.

The organization faces several immediate considerations:

• Team chemistry and locker room dynamics
• Public relations strategy and media management
• Compliance with NFL league policies regarding player conduct
• On-field performance planning pending legal resolution

The Patriots organization typically follows a protocol when players face legal issues, which often includes allowing the legal process to unfold before making definitive roster decisions. However, the severity of strangulation and assault charges may prompt a more urgent response from team leadership and the NFL league office.

This case adds to the ongoing narrative of player conduct issues within the National Football League. The NFL maintains a Personal Conduct Policy that allows for discipline even without a criminal conviction, creating a parallel legal track for players facing charges.

The league typically monitors criminal cases involving players and may initiate its own investigation. Depending on the findings, the NFL could impose:

1. Suspensions from games and team activities
2. Fines pursuant to the collective bargaining agreement
3. Mandatory counseling or treatment programs
4. Probationary status with specific behavioral requirements

The timing of these charges, occurring near the end of the calendar year, places the case within the NFL's offseason period. This may affect the timeline for any league-imposed discipline, though the Personal Conduct Policy allows for immediate action if deemed necessary for the integrity of the game and safety of the community.

The legal process for Stefon Diggs will likely follow a standard progression through the criminal justice system. Following the filing of charges, the next steps typically include an arraignment where the defendant enters a plea, followed by pre-trial proceedings.

During this period, both the prosecution and defense will exchange evidence through the discovery process. The defense may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges, while the prosecution will continue its investigation and preparation for trial.

It is important to note that the presence of charges does not indicate guilt. The burden of proof rests entirely with the prosecution, and Diggs maintains the right to a vigorous defense. Many criminal cases are resolved through plea negotiations before reaching trial, though the specific resolution timeline remains uncertain.