05/04/26 11:01:00
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05/04 10:59 CDT Jury seated in assault trial of former Patriots receiver Stefon
Diggs in dispute with chef
Jury seated in assault trial of former Patriots receiver Stefon Diggs in
dispute with chef
By MICHAEL CASEY
Associated Press
DEDHAM, Mass. (AP) --- A jury has been seated in the assault trial of Stefon
Diggs, a former New England Patriots wide receiver accused of assaulting his
private chef.
The four-time Pro Bowl wideout has pleaded not guilty to a felony strangulation
charge and a misdemeanor assault and battery charge stemming from the December
incident. Opening statements could begin as early as Monday afternoon after
jurors receive instructions.
Diggs declined to speak to reporters as he arrived at Norfolk County District
Court in Dedham, a Boston suburb.
According to court records, the chef told officers that she and Diggs had
argued about money he owed her for work. During the Dec. 2 encounter at his
home in Dedham, Massachusetts, she said, he "smacked her across the face" and
then "tried to choke her using the crook of his elbow around her neck," leaving
her feeling short of breath. She told officers she had trouble breathing and
felt she could have blacked out.
Diggs' attorney has said he "categorically denies these allegations," calling
them unsubstantiated and motivated by a financial dispute. Diggs did not speak
to reporters outside court in February.
Diggs signed a three-year, $69 million contract with New England last year and
was a key target for quarterback Drake Maye during the Patriots' AFC East title
run. Before joining the Patriots, Diggs was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in
2015 and played for the Buffalo Bills before a brief stint with the Houston
Texans in 2024.
Diggs' 1,000-yard season with the Patriots marked the seventh of his career. It
helped complete a successful career revival after a season-ending knee injury
derailed what turned out to be a one-year stay with the Houston Texans in 2024.
Diggs, who led the team with 85 receptions and 1,013 yards receiving with four
touchdowns in his only season with the Patriots, was released by the team in
March. Diggs posted a goodbye on social media, thanking the Patriots for the
season and saying: "We family forever."
Diggs has yet to sign with another team.
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