Two key players for the New England Patriots, Stefon Diggs and Christian Barmore, are set to remain active for the team's crucial season finale against the Miami Dolphins this Sunday, despite each being charged with separate felony offences in Massachusetts this week.
Serious Allegations Against Star Players
Stefon Diggs, the 32-year-old star wide receiver and partner of rapper Cardi B, was charged on Tuesday. The charges relate to an alleged altercation with his former personal chef on December 2. He faces one count of felony strangulation or suffocation and a misdemeanour count of assault and battery.
Christian Barmore, the 26-year-old starting defensive lineman, was charged on Wednesday with domestic assault and battery. His girlfriend told police he threw her to the ground during a dispute in August concerning the air temperature in his bedroom.
Legal Process and NFL Stance
An NFL spokesman confirmed to the league's network that 'Both are eligible to play at this time.' However, this status is not permanent. According to the league's personal conduct policy, it can change if formal charges proceed via a grand jury indictment, a prosecutor's filing, or an arraignment in criminal court.
Both players share the same attorney, David Meier, who has issued denials on behalf of his clients. In a statement, Meier said, 'the evidence will demonstrate that no criminal conduct took place,' and expects the matters to be resolved soon.
Potential Playoff Complications
The upcoming court dates could directly clash with the Patriots' postseason ambitions. Diggs is scheduled for arraignment in Dedham District Court on January 23, just two days before the AFC Championship game. Barmore's arraignment in Attleboro District Court is set for February 3, the Monday before Super Bowl LX.
Head coach Mike Vrabel addressed the situation, calling them 'allegations' and 'things that we have to handle.' He expressed confidence the team would stay focused on the Dolphins and that the players could manage the legal process.
The Patriots organisation stated it is aware of the accusations against Diggs, who has categorically denied them to the team. The club said it supports Diggs, will continue to gather information, and cooperate fully with authorities and the NFL. A similar team statement regarding Barmore confirmed they were aware of the August incident and had notified the league at the time.
The detailed allegations are severe. Barmore's accuser told police the argument on August 8 escalated when he took her phone as she called her mother, then grabbed and threw her to the floor. Diggs' former chef alleges he entered her room during a pay dispute on December 2, grabbed her from behind, and tried to choke her with his elbow before throwing her onto a bed.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the Patriots, with a 13-3 record, must navigate these significant off-field distractions while pursuing their championship goals.
