Breaking: Former New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs was found not guilty Tuesday of assault, battery and strangulation in connection with an alleged December incident at his Dedham home involving his private chef. The two-day trial delivered a swift acquittal that removes an immediate legal cloud over Diggs as he remains an NFL free agent after his March release by the Patriots.
Stefon Diggs acquitted of assault, battery and strangulation charges
Stefon Diggs was acquitted Tuesday of assault, battery and strangulation stemming from an incident Dec. 2 at his Dedham residence involving his private chef. The brief criminal trial concluded without a conviction after prosecutors failed to secure what jurors judged to be credible evidence linking Diggs to the alleged physical acts.
Key facts from the case
The charges arose from an allegation that Diggs slapped and choked the private chef during a dispute over pay. Diggs has consistently denied the accusations. Defense attorneys argued the accusations were uncorroborated and that the prosecution presented no compelling physical or testimonial evidence to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt.
How the verdict unfolded
Jurors delivered the not-guilty verdict after roughly two days of proceedings. The speed of the trial and the outcome indicate the court found the prosecution’s presentation insufficient to meet the high standard required in criminal cases. For Diggs, the legal process is now closed on these specific criminal charges.
Career implications: free agent status and reputation
Diggs enters this verdict as an NFL free agent following his release by the New England Patriots in March. He posted 1,013 receiving yards in 2025 and was the Patriots’ leading receiver as the team reached the Super Bowl, credentials that still make him an attractive talent on the open market.
What teams will weigh
Legally cleared, Diggs nonetheless faces a separate, practical calculus for prospective teams: age, recent production, salary expectations and public-image considerations. The acquittal removes an immediate legal barrier, but front offices will factor in off-field headlines alongside film, medicals and scheme fit before offering a roster spot or contract.
Why this matters beyond the courtroom
This verdict underscores two realities of elite athletes’ careers: criminal exoneration restores legal standing but does not automatically reset public perception, and roster decisions hinge on both performance and risk-management. For Diggs, the path forward is now primarily professional — convincing teams his on-field value outweighs any residual reputational questions.
Next steps for Diggs
Expect Diggs and his representatives to engage with interested teams and address any lingering concerns about conduct and character in private meetings. If he can pair consistent offseason preparation with clear messaging, the acquittal should help expedite opportunities; yet the marketplace will move deliberately.
Bottom line
The not-guilty verdict is a decisive legal win for Stefon Diggs and clears a major obstacle as he seeks to continue his NFL career.
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That said, the interplay of performance, public perception and team risk tolerance will determine how quickly he finds a new home.
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