Former Patriots’ Star Stefon Diggs Starts Trial For Allegedly Strangling Personal Chef When She Asked To Be Paid

The trial of former New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs and his personal chef began on May 4.

Diggs is accused of strangulation, assault and battery against his personal chef after a pay dispute. Diggs was arrested in December 2025 and was released on bail.

The arraignment for the trial was scheduled for Jan. 23. However, the judge moved it back to Feb. 13, citing “previous professional commitments.” Diggs and the Patriots played the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship game two days after the originally scheduled arraignment. The new arraignment was five days after their Super Bowl loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

Diggs pleaded not guilty to all charges. Diggs’ legal team has described the accusations as “categorically false.”

Earlier this offseason, Diggs was released by the Patriots. He has yet to sign with a new team, possibly because teams are waiting for the outcome of this case.

Patriots officials mostly cited the $26.5 million cap hit due to Diggs in the 2026 season as the reason for releasing him. 

Diggs had 1,013 yards and four touchdowns in the regular season. However, he showed a decline in the playoffs. His best game of the playoffs was the divisional round game against the Houston Texans, when he had just 40 yards. He had 37 yards in the Super Bowl loss.

The allegations, playoff decline and massive cap hit created the perfect storm that led to Diggs’ release. The Patriots plan to trade for A.J. Brown after June 1 to make up for the loss of Diggs. 

The Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, Washington Commanders, Las Vegas Raiders and Atlanta Falcons all showed interest in signing Diggs. 

The trial is expected to last two or three days before deliberations. The NFL has not announced any suspensions for Diggs. 

Diggs had other legal cases, including a defamation lawsuit he brought against an influencer who said he propositioned him.