Posted on Feb 13

Patriots' Diggs pleads not guilty to felony charges stemming from chef incident

Posted Feb 13, 2026

Wide receiver Stefon Diggs of the New England Patriots faces felony charges related to an alleged incident involving his personal chef.

Why it matters: The legal situation surrounding Diggs could significantly impact his career and the Patriots' plans for the upcoming season.

Diggs has pleaded not guilty to charges of felony strangulation and other criminal offenses stemming from a reported altercation on December 2. The allegations include claims that he "smacked her across the face" and attempted to choke the chef with his elbow, actions that reportedly left her short of breath.

What’s new: Diggs’ arraignment was postponed until after Super Bowl LX, allowing him to participate in the championship game.

His next scheduled court appearance will be for a pretrial hearing on April 1.
The initial report of the incident came two weeks later, on December 16, suggesting a delay in the response from the victim.

Yes, but: While Diggs faces serious allegations, his attorney has labeled them as unsubstantiated and claims they stem from a financial dispute.

“He categorically denies these allegations,” the attorney stated, indicating that Diggs intends to fight the charges vigorously.

The bottom line: This incident highlights the complexities athletes face off the field, particularly when personal disputes escalate to legal issues.

What to watch: The outcome of Diggs' case could influence public perception and team dynamics within the Patriots organization.

The Patriots have publicly expressed their support for Diggs amidst the ongoing legal proceedings, which may play a role in how the situation unfolds moving forward.

Our thought bubble: This situation serves as a reminder of the pressures that accompany fame and success, especially in high-stakes environments like the NFL.

With the potential for both a legal battle and its ramifications on his professional life, Diggs' focus will be crucial as he navigates this challenging chapter.

Patriots' Diggs pleads not guilty to felony charges stemming from chef incident

Alex Parker

Posted Feb 13, 2026

Wide receiver Stefon Diggs of the New England Patriots faces felony charges related to an alleged incident involving his personal chef.

Why it matters: The legal situation surrounding Diggs could significantly impact his career and the Patriots' plans for the upcoming season.

What’s new: Diggs’ arraignment was postponed until after Super Bowl LX, allowing him to participate in the championship game.

His next scheduled court appearance will be for a pretrial hearing on April 1.

The initial report of the incident came two weeks later, on December 16, suggesting a delay in the response from the victim.

Yes, but: While Diggs faces serious allegations, his attorney has labeled them as unsubstantiated and claims they stem from a financial dispute.

“He categorically denies these allegations,” the attorney stated, indicating that Diggs intends to fight the charges vigorously.

The bottom line: This incident highlights the complexities athletes face off the field, particularly when personal disputes escalate to legal issues.

What to watch: The outcome of Diggs' case could influence public perception and team dynamics within the Patriots organization.

The Patriots have publicly expressed their support for Diggs amidst the ongoing legal proceedings, which may play a role in how the situation unfolds moving forward.

Our thought bubble: This situation serves as a reminder of the pressures that accompany fame and success, especially in high-stakes environments like the NFL.

With the potential for both a legal battle and its ramifications on his professional life, Diggs' focus will be crucial as he navigates this challenging chapter.