Patriots' Stefon Diggs, Christian Barmore decline to discuss charges ahead of regular-season finale
- - Patriots' Stefon Diggs, Christian Barmore decline to discuss charges ahead of regular-season finale
Andy BackstromJanuary 3, 2026 at 12:17 AM
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Content warning: This story contains descriptions of alleged assault.
The New England Patriots have players on both sides of the ball facing charges after being accused of violence against women in separate incidents, and both of them declined to discuss their cases Friday ahead of their team's regular-season finale against the Miami Dolphins.
Wide receiver Stefon Diggs, 32, is facing a felony charge of strangulation and misdemeanor assault and battery charges. Diggs' personal chef alleges that in a Dec. 2 dispute over her pay, Diggs hit her and placed his hands around her neck, causing her to struggle to breathe and feel lightheaded, according to Boston 25 News, which cited the police report.
Defensive tackle Christian Barmore, 26, is facing a misdemeanor charge of assault and battery on a household/family member. Barmore's then-girlfriend alleges that on Aug. 8 an argument over the temperature of the house and food ultimately led to Barmore throwing her to the ground and grabbing her shirt in the neck area before letting her up, per WCVB TV in Boston, which cited court documents.
Diggs leads the Patriots with 82 receptions and 970 receiving yards this season, and Barmore has totaled 26 tackles, including three for a loss and one sack.
They're eligible to play Sunday against the Dolphins. New England can clinch the No. 1 seed in the AFC, which comes with a first-round bye and home-field advantage, if it beats Miami and the Denver Broncos lose or tie against the Los Angeles Chargers — or if the Patriots tie, and the Broncos lose.
"It's definitely an open case, so I can't even say anything about it," Diggs said Friday, per ESPN, in his first media appearance since the news broke about the charges against him.
Diggs did note, however, that it's a "very emotional time" and that he was "taken back by some things that's been going on," as reported by ESPN.
Barmore repeated that he's concentrated on preparing for the Dolphins.
"I’m focused on Miami. I’m focused on playing football," he said in his first public comments, according to The .
Diggs and Barmore are both represented by attorney David Meier, who has released statements denying the charges.
Diggs' arraignment is scheduled for Jan. 23, whereas Barmore's is set for Feb. 3, according to ESPN.
"We’ve taken the allegations very seriously, and what comes of that, I think then we’ll have another discussion," Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel said, per the AP.
"But I don’t think we have to jump to any sort of conclusions right now and let the process take its toll."
Source: “AOL Sports”
