Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs charged in alleged assault involving private chef

New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs is facing felony and misdemeanor charges following an alleged assault involving his private chef.

(NBC)- New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs is facing felony and misdemeanor charges following an alleged assault involving his private chef.

Police say Diggs has been charged with felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault and battery stemming from an incident that allegedly occurred on December 2 at his home in Dedham, Massachusetts. The alleged victim did not report the incident until December 16, telling investigators she was hesitant to come forward because of Diggs’ fame.

According to court documents, the woman told police she had been texting Diggs about money she believed she was owed when he entered her bedroom and the argument escalated.

She claims Diggs struck her across the face and attempted to choke her using the crook of his elbow.

“It’s apparently, at its core, an argument about how much someone should be paid,” said Michael McCann, director of the Sports and Entertainment Law Institute at the University of New Hampshire.

“We don’t know if there’s evidence corroborating the allegation,” McCann added. “We know there are text messages, but those messages appear to be about payment, not about an alleged incident. Maybe there’s other evidence — it’s early.”

According to the police report, the alleged incident occurred at Diggs’ home in Dedham. When reporters arrived at the residence, a woman initially answered the door and said Diggs was home. Minutes later, a different woman came to the door, stating she was the only person who lived there and asked reporters to leave.

Diggs’ attorney has denied the accusations, calling them “unsubstantiated and uncorroborated.”

The New England Patriots also released a statement saying, “Stefon has informed the organization that he categorically denies the allegations. We support Stefon.”

Legal experts note that the team’s statement does not necessarily reflect a judgment on the case itself.

“I don’t think it necessarily means they’re taking his side,” McCann said. “They want to see how the facts play out, but they are supporting his right to defend himself.”

The case remains under investigation.