Patriots Star Stefon Diggs Confronts Legal and Personal Challenges After Super Bowl Defeat
New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs has made a last-minute change to his legal representation just ahead of a critical court hearing scheduled for Friday in Dedham, Massachusetts. The 32-year-old athlete faces serious charges of felony strangulation or suffocation, along with misdemeanor assault and battery, stemming from an alleged incident in December. Prosecutors accuse Diggs of physically attacking his female personal chef at his residence during a financial disagreement, a claim he has previously denied through his former attorneys.
Legal Proceedings and Team Dynamics
Originally set for January, the arraignment was postponed due to the Patriots' Super Bowl campaign and is now proceeding on Friday. Diggs is expected to enter a formal plea after the charges are read in court. His previous legal team, David E. Meier and Michael R. DiStefano, has been replaced by attorney Sara Silva, according to recent court filings. The Daily Mail has contacted Silva for confirmation, though she has not yet publicly commented.
Prior to this change, Diggs' former lawyers indicated they were attempting to resolve the case through a financial settlement with the chef, whose identity has been withheld by The Daily Mail. The alleged assault involved Diggs striking and choking the woman during the early months of his debut season with the Patriots, as reported by Dedham police.
Additional Legal Woes and Team Troubles
Compounding his legal troubles, Diggs is also named in an unrelated defamation lawsuit from a 2024 incident in Florida. A former business partner alleges that Diggs falsely accused him of stealing a Ferrari, leading to an alleged nightclub attack in 2025 over these claims. Meanwhile, Patriots teammate Christian Barmore faces separate misdemeanor domestic assault and battery charges in Attleboro, Massachusetts, related to an August dispute where he allegedly grabbed and threw his then-girlfriend to the ground.
On the field, Diggs' performance in Super Bowl LX was underwhelming, with only three receptions on three targets as the Patriots fell 29-13 to the Seattle Seahawks. A notable moment occurred when Seattle defensive back Josh Jobe punched Diggs in the head after a sideline altercation. This poor showing, combined with his partially-guaranteed $28 million cap hit, raises questions about his future with the team in 2026, despite his post-game comment expressing hope to return.
Personal Life Under Scrutiny
Amidst these challenges, Diggs' personal life has drawn significant attention. Reports suggest a possible split with his girlfriend, rapper Cardi B, following the birth of their first child. The couple, who went public in May last year, have recently unfollowed each other on social media, fueling speculation. Cardi B added to the rumors with a frosty pre-Super Bowl message, offering only a brief "Good luck" when asked for an inspiring note for Diggs.
After the game, she shared Instagram posts about her Super Bowl experience, including dancing during Bad Bunny's halftime show and staying at an Airbnb, but made no mention of Diggs. Instead, her caption focused on the event's energy and thanked Airbnb, avoiding any reference to the relationship. Diggs responded with a cryptic Instagram post about gratitude and fear, disabling comments on the message that featured photos from the Patriots' playoff run.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
As Diggs navigates these multifaceted issues, his career and personal stability hang in the balance. The court hearing on Friday could have significant repercussions for his legal standing and professional future. With the Patriots evaluating his performance and contract, along with ongoing personal dramas, the coming weeks will be critical for the star receiver. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely as this story unfolds, highlighting the intense pressures faced by high-profile athletes both on and off the field.
