Stefon Diggs pleads not guilty in a Massachusetts courtroom, and now the legal battle officially begins.
The New England Patriots wide receiver appeared in Dedham District Court on February 13 and entered a not guilty plea to serious charges tied to a December 2 incident. The case includes one count of felony strangulation or suffocation and one count of misdemeanor assault and battery.
According to court documents, the allegations stem from a dispute between Diggs and his former personal chef. Prosecutors allege the argument escalated and that Diggs struck the woman and applied pressure to her neck with his arm, causing difficulty breathing. Diggs has denied the accusations.
Stefon Diggs pleads not guilty.
His attorneys argue the claims are unfounded and financially motivated. They say the evidence will show he did not commit the acts described in the complaint. In court, Diggs did not address reporters.
The judge released him on personal recognizance and issued a strict no contact order involving the alleged victim. His next pretrial hearing is scheduled for April 1.
The Patriots have acknowledged the situation and stated they are aware of the legal matter. At this point, the case moves into the evidence phase, where both sides will prepare arguments before trial decisions are made.
Because the allegations surfaced shortly before the Super Bowl, the timing has kept this story in heavy rotation across sports headlines. However, this now shifts from locker room talk to courtroom strategy.
This is about what can be proven in court.
And until that process plays out, the legal system takes the lead.
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