Stefon Diggs has addressed the public for the first time regarding felony charges brought against him by a former employee.
The wide receiver for the New England Patriots is facing charges of felony strangulation or suffocation, as well as misdemeanor assault and battery. Alleged text messages he sent have been made public by the accuser.
The charges were officially filed on Monday, December 29, in Dedham District Court, Massachusetts. They are connected to an alleged incident that reportedly occurred on December 2. Diggs is scheduled for arraignment on January 23.
On Tuesday, Diggs’ attorney, David Meier, provided a statement to E! News, vehemently denying the accusations and asserting they are completely unfounded.
“Stefon Diggs categorically denies these allegations,” Meier stated. “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.”
The New England Patriots have also expressed their support for the 32-year-old player. In a statement to NBC Sports, the team noted: “The New England Patriots are aware of the accusations that have been made regarding Stefon Diggs. Stefon has informed the organization that he categorically denies the allegations. We support Stefon.”
While the team continues to gather information and work with the authorities and the NFL, they have chosen not to make further comments due to the ongoing investigation.
These allegations against Diggs arise soon after he celebrated the birth of his first child with rapper Cardi B, who also co-parents three children with her former partner, Offset.
More details to follow as the situation develops.