Patriots’ Stefon Diggs and Christian Barmore Decline to Address Criminal Allegations Ahead of Playoffs
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — As the New England Patriots prepare for a critical late-season game and the looming playoffs, two of their star players, wide receiver Stefon Diggs and defensive lineman Christian Barmore, have refused to answer reporters’ questions regarding ongoing criminal allegations against them. The players appeared before the media Friday but maintained a tight-lipped stance, focusing instead on football-related topics.
Diggs, who faces charges related to an alleged assault on a private chef, described the situation as an “emotional time” and expressed regret for being unavailable during recent days. When pressed about the legal matters, Diggs repeatedly deflected, saying, “It’s definitely an open case, so I can’t even say anything about it,” and insisted that he would only respond to football questions. His alleged victim reported that Diggs “smacked her across the face” and attempted to choke her during a dispute over money earlier this month.
Similarly, Barmore, accused of domestic assault and battery after an incident involving his girlfriend, declined to comment on the accusations. According to authorities, Barmore allegedly grabbed the woman’s phone as she tried to leave his home, threw her to the floor, and threatened her with violence. Barmore told reporters he was “focused on Miami and playing football,” avoiding further discussion of the charges.
The NFL has confirmed that both players remain eligible to participate in the Patriots’ upcoming game against the Miami Dolphins. In a statement, the league said, “There is no change to the status of Diggs or Barmore. Both are eligible to play at this time,” referencing the ongoing review under the league’s Personal Conduct Policy. The Patriots’ head coach, Mike Vrabel, has also addressed the situation, emphasizing the team’s focus on football while acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations.
The cases are currently open and under investigation by local law enforcement agencies. The Massachusetts courts will determine the legal outcomes as proceedings continue. The public and fans alike await further developments amid the high-profile nature of the accusations against these prominent athletes.
For more information on the NFL’s policies regarding player conduct, visit the NFL Operations Personal Conduct Policy. Details about domestic violence laws and protections in Massachusetts can be found at the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. For updates on ongoing court cases, the Massachusetts Court System provides official records and schedules. The U.S. Department of Justice offers resources on federal and state criminal procedures relevant to assault and battery charges.
As this story develops, the intersection of professional sports and legal accountability remains under intense scrutiny, highlighting the challenges teams face balancing athletic performance with off-field conduct.
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