Stefon Diggs is scheduled to be arraigned Friday in Massachusetts on felony strangulation and other criminal charges tied to an alleged dispute with his personal chef. The hearing will take place at Dedham District Court, after a postponement that allowed him to play in Super Bowl LX with the New England Patriots. Court records say the case stems from a Dec. 2 incident at his home.
Charges and scheduling twist
The arraignment was first set for Jan. 23. It moved to Feb. 13 to accommodate the NFL schedule, five days after the Patriots’ 29–13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Prosecutors allege Diggs “smacked” the woman and “tried to choke her using the crook of his elbow,” leaving her short of breath. Investigators say she reported the incident on Dec. 16, two weeks later. Police noted she initially hesitated to file charges, then chose to proceed.
Timeline of the alleged incident
According to police documents, the argument began over money the chef says she was owed. The encounter allegedly escalated inside the residence. Officers from Dedham took the report on Dec. 16. The case advanced to arraignment after review by local authorities. This week’s hearing is the first court appearance.
What happens at the Stefon Diggs arraignment
An arraignment is a first court appearance where a judge reads the charges, hears a plea, and sets bail or release conditions. The judge may also set future dates for pretrial conferences or motions. In Massachusetts, defense and prosecution can address travel, contact orders, and other terms. Friday’s session is expected to focus on those procedural steps rather than evidence.
Team and legal responses
Diggs’ attorney says he “categorically denies these allegations,” calling them unsubstantiated and rooted in a financial dispute. The Patriots issued a statement of support for the player. The league, National Football League, could review the matter under its personal conduct policy, but any disciplinary process would be separate from the criminal case.
What the charges mean in Massachusetts
Felony strangulation laws typically address pressure applied to the neck that impedes breathing or blood flow. Prosecutors often rely on victim testimony, medical findings, and any corroborating evidence. A separate assault allegation can proceed alongside a strangulation count. The court will determine next steps based on the charging documents and arguments from counsel.
What’s next in court
Friday’s hearing should set the framework for the case: bail conditions, no-contact provisions, and a schedule for filings. Further disclosures and any evidentiary challenges will come in later proceedings. For now, Diggs faces formal accusations while maintaining his denial, and the case moves into the pretrial phase in Massachusetts.
