Stefon Diggs faces felony strangulation charge ahead of Patriots playoff run

New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs is facing a felony complaint of strangulation and a misdemeanor complaint of battle related to an alleged incidental connected Dec. 2, according to tribunal records. A question proceeding was held Tuesday greeting successful Dedham, Massachusetts. Diggs is scheduled to beryllium arraigned connected Jan. 23, 2 days earlier the AFC Championship Game.

Police study outlines alleged altercation

According to a constabulary report, a pistillate went to authorities connected Dec. 16 and said she was moving arsenic a backstage cook erstwhile the alleged incidental occurred. She told constabulary Diggs entered her unlocked chamber and allegedly smacked her crossed the look aft a treatment astir wealth she said she was owed. Police said she reported trying to propulsion him distant erstwhile helium allegedly tried to choke her with his elbow astir her neck, aboriginal throwing her onto the furniture and saying "lies" erstwhile she said she had not been paid.

The study says she near the residence afterward to enactment with a friend. When she returned connected Dec. 9 to retrieve her belongings, she said Diggs referred her to his assistant, who told her she needed to motion a nondisclosure statement earlier being paid. She did not motion it, according to police. Authorities said she initially declined to property charges earlier deciding to bash truthful connected Dec. 22.

Defense, team, and league respond

Diggs’ attorney, David Meier, said the allegations are "unsubstantiated."

"Stefon Diggs categorically denies these allegations. They are unsubstantiated, uncorroborated, and were ne'er investigated -- due to the fact that they did not occur," Meier said. "The timing and information for making the allegations is crystal clear: they are the nonstop effect of an employee-employer fiscal quality that was not resolved to the employee's satisfaction. Stefon looks guardant to establishing the information successful a tribunal of law."

The Patriots said, "We enactment Stefon," and added they would cooperate with authorities and the NFL. The league said it was "aware of the matter" and added, "We person nary further remark astatine this time."

Diggs, 32, leads New England with 82 receptions for 970 yards and 4 touchdowns.