New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs pleaded not guilty Friday to assaulting and strangling his private chef during a December altercation involving a financial dispute.
A not guilty plea was entered on his behalf during a brief arraignment in Dedham District Court on Friday. Diggs was ordered to have no contact with the victim and released without bail.
The woman, who began working for Diggs around July, said he became upset amid an ongoing discussion about money he owed her. When she raised the issue on Dec. 2 at Diggs’ Dedham home, he hit her across the face and wrapped his arm around her neck from behind, she said.
Diggs, 32, has denied the woman’s accusations.
He left the courtroom without speaking and stepped into a waiting black SUV.
“He is completely innocent of these false allegations,” Mitchell Schuster, Diggs’ attorney, said outside the courthouse Friday after his client departed. “We’re confident that that after the facts and evidence are reviewed in this case, he will be completely exonerated.”
“I’d be shocked if this case goes to trial,” he added.
Diggs was first summoned to appear in Dedham District Court on Dec. 30, with an arraignment scheduled for Jan. 23. However, with the Patriots still in the NFL playoffs, his lawyers asked for the arraignment — during which charges are read, a defendant enters a plea and a judge may set conditions for their release — to be pushed to Friday, Feb. 13.
The arraignment played out quickly Friday.
Wearing a white collar shirt, tie and grey sweater, Diggs entered the courtroom alongside his attorneys, Schuster and Sara Silva. On his behalf, they entered the pleas of not guilty to a felony charge of strangulation or suffocation and a misdemeanor count of assault and battery.
Judge Jeanmarie Carroll ordered Diggs to have no contact with his accuser.
He will return to court for a hearing on April 1.
The arraignment took place five days after Diggs’ first season with the Patriots ended with a Super Bowl 60 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, 29-13.
Diggs is under contract with the Patriots for two more seasons.
In a statement after his charges became public, the team said it was aware of the accusations made against the veteran receiver.
“Stefon has informed the organization that he categorically denies the allegations,” the Patriots said. “We support Stefon. We will continue to gather information and will cooperate fully with the appropriate authorities and the NFL as necessary. Out of respect for all parties involved, and given that this is an ongoing legal matter, we will have no further comment at this time.”
Diggs had tried unsuccessfully to impound a police report and other documents related to his case during his initial court appearance in December.
Carroll denied the request, keeping the documents public.
A day after the charges against Diggs were filed, news broke that his teammate, defensive tackle Christian Barmore, was charged in a separate case.
Barmore faces one count of assault and battery on a family or household member.
Barmore’s accuser said the pair had been arguing on Aug. 8 when he snatched her phone as she tried to leave the house. The woman said she “intended to open the door and scream for help,” but Barmore, “grabbed her before she could and threw her to the floor.”
Barmore has also denied the allegations against him. His arraignment was also delayed until after the Super Bowl. He will appear in Attleboro District Court on March 9.
“The Patriots were made aware at the time of the incident and informed the NFL in a timely manner,” the team said after Barmore was charged. “The matter remains part of an ongoing legal process. We will respect that process, continue to monitor the situation closely, as we have over the past few months, and cooperate fully with the league.”
Diggs signed a three-year, $69 million deal with the Patriots last year.
After the loss to Seattle, Diggs was asked if he expected to be back in New England next season.
“Unless they opt out of the contract,” Diggs said. “I anticipate being here, so I hope so. Love my guys. I had a hell of a year playing with them. Built some real family-like bond, so I hope so, I don’t control it though.”
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