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Stefon Diggs waived his court appearance on April 1, advancing his assault case toward a May 4 trial. The former New England Patriots wide receiver remains charged with felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault and battery in connection with a December incident involving his personal chef.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Trial Date: Monday, May 4, 2026, at Dedham District Court
- Charges: One count felony strangulation, one count misdemeanor assault and battery
- Arraignment: Diggs pleaded not guilty in February 2026
- Judge Ruling: Judge Sarah Jubinville granted waiver of appearance on April 1
Legal Waiver Marks New Phase in Case
Judge Sarah Jubinville of Dedham District Court granted Diggs‘ request to waive his presence at the April 1 pretrial hearing. This decision came after Diggs‘ legal team requested his absence to handle other matters and obligations. The hearing proceeded without the 32-year-old athlete present, as court documents allowed.
The waiver represents a significant procedural development in the case. Previously, Diggs’ arraignment was postponed from January to February 13 due to his professional commitments with the Patriots during playoff season. The latest waiver suggests his legal strategy focuses on remote case management ahead of trial.
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The December Incident and Charges
According to court records, the alleged assault occurred on December 2, 2025, at Diggs‘ residence in Dedham, Massachusetts. The accuser is a woman who began working as Diggs‘ personal chef in July 2025. She reported that Diggs became upset during discussions about unpaid compensation owed to her.
The accuser stated that Diggs struck her across the face and wrapped his arm around her neck from behind. Diggs has consistently denied these allegations, with his legal team emphasizing his innocence. Judge Jeanmarie Carroll previously ordered Diggs to maintain no contact with his accuser as a condition during the legal proceedings.
Defense Strategy and Attorney Statements
Mitchell Schuster, one of Diggs‘ attorneys, has been vocal about his client’s position. Following the February arraignment, Schuster stood outside the courthouse and declared his client’s total innocence. His legal team argues the allegations are false and motivated by a financial dispute rather than genuine criminal conduct.
| Case Detail | Information |
| Incident Date | December 2, 2025 |
| Alleged Victim | Personal chef, employed since July 2025 |
| Charges | Felony strangulation, misdemeanor assault |
| Diggs Defense | Categorically denies all allegations |
“He is completely innocent of these false allegations. We’re confident that after the facts and evidence are reviewed in this case, he will be completely exonerated.”
Mitchell Schuster, Diggs’ Attorney
Patriots Release Diggs Amid Legal Turmoil
In late February 2026, the New England Patriots released Stefon Diggs, ending his tenure with the franchise after just one season. Diggs had signed a three-year deal worth roughly $26.5 million in cap hits over the next two years, making the release significant from a financial perspective. Diggs posted a farewell message on social media, thanking the organization and Patriots fans.
The release came amid ongoing legal difficulties and questions about his immediate future in professional football. The NFL has stated Diggs remains eligible to play, with no restrictions placed on him by league officials. However, his legal troubles have dominated headlines and potentially impacted his marketability to new teams during free agency.
What’s Next in This Evolving Legal Battle?
The trial is scheduled to begin on Monday, May 4, giving both the prosecution and defense weeks to prepare. Diggs’ legal team has suggested they are confident the case will be resolved favorably through the trial process. One attorney even stated he would be shocked if the case proceeded to trial, hinting at potential early resolution negotiations.
The outcome of this trial could significantly impact Diggs’ NFL career, reputation, and personal life moving forward. Fans and legal observers will watch closely as this case develops. The trial promises to be closely covered by Massachusetts media and national sports outlets given Diggs’ high profile in professional football.
Sources
- MassLive – Comprehensive reporting on trial date and court proceedings
- Boston Globe – Coverage of waiver decision and Judge Sarah Jubinville ruling
- ESPN – NFL implications and Diggs’ statement regarding allegations
