Stefon Diggs will not face a judge until after the NFL season ends, after his arraignment was delayed.
The New England Patriots wide receiver was granted a postponement of his arraignment on assault charges, pushing the court date back to February 13. That date now falls five days after the Super Bowl.
The decision carries clear football consequences. Diggs will remain available for the entirety of the Patriots’ postseason run.
Arraignment pushed beyond postseason
Diggs had originally been scheduled to appear in Dedham District Court on January 23, the Friday before the AFC Championship game. His legal team requested a delay due to what they described as a “previously scheduled professional commitment.”
Judge Jeanmarie Carroll approved the request.
The postponement means Diggs is unlikely to be placed on the NFL Commissioner’s Exempt List, allowing him to continue playing while the case remains unresolved.
New England begins its playoff campaign on Sunday, hosting the Los Angeles Chargers at Gillette Stadium in the Wild Card round. The Patriots finished the regular season 13–3 and claimed the AFC East title.
Diggs denies allegations
Diggs faces charges of felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery. The charges stem from an alleged incident on December 2 at his Dedham home involving his personal chef.
According to police reports, the woman accused Diggs of slapping and choking her during a dispute over money. Diggs has denied the accusations through his attorney, David Meier.
“It’s been an emotional time, dealing with everything,” Diggs told reporters last week.
“It’s definitely an open case, so I can’t even say anything about it.”
Patriots keep focus on football
The Patriots have publicly supported Diggs and made no indication of removing him from the lineup. He remains a central part of their offense entering the postseason.
Diggs is in the first year of a three-year, $69 million contract with New England. He joined the team last offseason as part of a major reset following years of offensive inconsistency.
His availability now removes a major layer of uncertainty as the Patriots chase a deep playoff run.
Diggs’ situation has drawn increased attention in recent weeks, particularly after his girlfriend Cardi B publicly defended him on social media.
The case has also placed renewed focus on off-field issues within the Patriots locker room. Defensive tackle Christian Barmore is facing a separate domestic assault charge stemming from an alleged incident last summer. Barmore is also represented by Meier.
