Stefon Diggs denies assault allegations as felony strangulation trial begins
Former New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs’ trial began Monday after his chef accused him of a violent confrontation.
The assault trial of former New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs began Monday in Dedham, Massachusetts, with prosecutors alleging a violent confrontation involving Diggs and his private chef, and his defense team firmly rejecting the claims.
Diggs, 33, has pleaded not guilty to a felony strangulation charge and a misdemeanor assault and battery charge tied to a December 2 incident at his home in Norfolk County. A jury was selected earlier in the day before opening statements laid out sharply conflicting versions of what happened. Diggs did not speak to reporters as he arrived at court.
What prosecutors say happened
Assistant District Attorney Drew Virtue told jurors that Diggs’ chef, Mila Adams, will testify she was attacked inside his residence after an argument escalated.
According to the prosecution’s account, Diggs entered her bedroom, slapped her, placed her in a headlock, and threw her onto a bed. Virtue told the jury it would be their responsibility to determine what happened that night, emphasizing the seriousness of the allegations.
Adams later took the stand and described the incident in emotional testimony, saying Diggs struck her with an open hand before putting her in a chokehold that left her struggling to breathe. She said she feared she would lose consciousness during the encounter.
Court records cited by prosecutors also indicate Adams told police the confrontation stemmed from a dispute over money she believed she was owed for work, as well as tension surrounding travel plans involving Diggs’ household.
Diggs’ defense: “It never happened”
Diggs’ attorney Andrew Kettlewell pushed back strongly during opening statements, telling jurors the alleged assault “never happened.”
The defense argued there were no witnesses inside the home who heard or saw anything unusual, and said there is no medical documentation, photographs, or video evidence supporting the allegations. Kettlewell also suggested the dispute was part of an escalating personal and financial disagreement between Adams and members of Diggs’ circle, and argued the case should not be influenced by Diggs’ status as a professional athlete.
“The assault that the Commonwealth described never happened,” Kettlewell told the jury.
What happens next
Diggs signed a three-year, $69 million contract with the Patriots and was a key offensive target during his lone season in New England, recording more than 1,000 receiving yards. However, he was released by the team in March and remains a free agent.
As the trial continues, jurors will hear testimony from witnesses on both sides before ultimately deciding whether the prosecution has proven the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.
For now, Diggs maintains his innocence as one of the NFL’s most high-profile legal cases moves forward.
Related stories
Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.