New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel has stated that star wide receiver Stefon Diggs is eligible to play in this weekend's crucial regular-season finale, despite facing serious criminal allegations. The development comes after charges of felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault and battery were filed against the 32-year-old athlete earlier this week.
Allegations and Immediate Fallout
The charges stem from an incident involving Diggs and his former private chef. According to police reports, the chef alleged that Diggs struck her and attempted to choke her during a dispute concerning money. The allegations became public following a court hearing on Tuesday, 30 December 2025, in Dedham, Massachusetts.
The Patriots organisation swiftly issued a statement of support for Diggs on Tuesday. Coach Vrabel reinforced this position on Wednesday, 31 December, telling reporters, "We've made a statement and we've taken the allegations very seriously." He emphasised a need for due process, adding, "I don't think we have to jump to any sort of conclusions right now. Let the process take its toll."
Legal Defence and League Stance
Diggs's legal representative, David Meier, has vehemently denied the accusations. In an emailed statement, Meier said Diggs "categorically denies these allegations," describing them as unsubstantiated and uncorroborated. A formal court arraignment is scheduled for 23 January.
The National Football League has confirmed that Diggs remains eligible to participate in games under the current personal conduct policy, clearing the way for his appearance against the Miami Dolphins. Diggs was present at team facilities on Wednesday, participating in practice as normal, though he maintained his season-long policy of not speaking to the media.
Focus on the Field Amidst Distraction
Vrabel expressed confidence that the situation would not derail his team's focus as they prepare for a high-stakes final game. The Patriots currently hold a 13-3 record and have already secured the AFC East title, their first since 2019. A victory against Miami, coupled with a loss or tie by the Denver Broncos, would earn New England the conference's top playoff seed and a valuable first-round bye.
"I think these are allegations... Things that we have to handle," Vrabel stated. "Every day there are distractions, some are smaller than others. I'm confident that we'll focus on the Dolphins."
Diggs, who joined the Patriots in a trade from the Houston Texans before this season, has been a pivotal offensive weapon. He leads the team with 82 receptions for 970 receiving yards, making his availability for the playoffs a critical factor for the team's Super Bowl aspirations.
