Former Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs will soon be heading to court over charges that he assaulted a former personal chef.
Diggs was accused of assaulting the woman in a dispute over pay last year, leading to strangulation charges. He went to court just days after the New England Patriots lost the Super Bowl, and now will be headed back soon to face trial.
Stefon Diggs Heads to Court Next Week
As WJAR reported, Diggs will head to court in Massachusetts on Monday for the start of his criminal trial.
“Jury selection in the strangulation case of former New England Patriots player Stefon Diggs is expected to start next week,” the report noted, adding, “Electronic court records indicate a trial readiness hearing is scheduled for Friday, with the trial set to begin at 9 a.m. Monday.”
The alleged assault took place days after the Patriots defeated the New York Giants last season, court documents show, leading to a charge of felony strangulation. Diggs has pleaded not guilty, with his legal team saying he will be exonerated at trial.
The Patriots released a statement at the time saying it would investigate, noting the denial from Diggs.
“The New England Patriots are aware of the accusations that have been made regarding Stefon Diggs,” the team shared. “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 was released by the Patriots in a cap-saving move in the weeks after the Super Bowl, and the former All-Pro receiver has yet to find a new NFL team.
Stefon Diggs Faces Uncertain Future
While Diggs has lingered on the open market through the first two months of free agency, he could find a home soon. CBS Sports reporter Zachary Pereles suggested this week that Diggs could be a good fit for the Las Vegas Raiders, giving rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza a trusted target.
“Diggs showed last year he can still really play, even if his snap share was way down,” Pereles wrote. “A talented separator who snatches the ball with hands like glue, Diggs would really help a Raiders wide receiver group bereft of his skill set and bereft of experience. The youngsters could play a lot, but Diggs could still see plenty of work on crucial downs.”
Diggs has been connected to some other teams, though he has also faced the uncertainty of the pending trial and potential punishment from the NFL. The league has wide latitude to issue suspensions to players accused of assault or other crimes, even if the charges do not result in a conviction.
That was the case for former Bills edge rusher Von Miller, who was suspended for four games close to a year after he was accused of domestic assault — with charges that ultimately did not proceed through the legal system.
Ex-Bills WR Stefon Diggs Facing Major Update in Legal Case