Oct 19, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs (8) runs with the ball after a made catch against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Former Patriots WR Stefon Diggs Receives Trial Update

Originally posted on New England Patriots on SI
By Ethan Hurwitz | Last updated Apr 2, 2026 6:00 PM ET

A trial date has been set for former New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs in his assault and strangulation case.

Court documents show that Diggs' jury trial is set to begin May 4 in Dedham District Court. Diggs had previously pleaded not guilty to charges of felony strangulation or suffocation, and assault and battery in February.

Diggs was not present in the latest court hearing, as the wide receiver was out of state. These charges stem from an incident back in December, where Diggs' former live-in personal chef alleged to police that the then-Patriots wideout had "smacked her across the face" and "tried to choke her using the crook of his elbow around her neck." She told police that this dispute stemmed over money she says the wide receiver owed her for her work.

"Stefon Diggs categorically denies these allegations. They are unsubstantiated, uncorroborated, and were never investigated — because they did not occur," David Meier, one of Diggs’s attorneys at the time the charges were made public, told Patriots On SI. "The timing and motivation for making these allegations are 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 Patriots offered their support for Diggs in December, issuing a statement that read, "Stefon has informed the organization that he categorically denies the allegations. We support Stefon. We will continue to gather information and will cooperate fully with the appropriate authorities and the NFL as necessary."

When Did This Happen?

The alleged incident occurred on Dec. 2 at Diggs's home in Dedham. The woman involved didn't immediately file charges, but eventually reported the incident 14 days later, police say.

Diggs' original court date to be arraigned was on Jan. 23, but was delayed until after Super Bowl LX. He was later arraigned in February, and was released on a personal recognizance bail after one minute in court. He was ordered to stay away from the victim.

As part of the latest hearing, attorneys on both sides cleared up several paperwork issues pertaining to a protective order in the case, as well as text messages and emails that Diggs' attorneys want access to.

The Patriots released Diggs this past offseason in a cost-cutting move. Moving on from Diggs -- who led the team in receptions and receiving yards a season ago -- saved New England nearly $16.9 million in cap space for 2026.

This article first appeared on New England Patriots on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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