NFL Star Stefon Diggs Pleads Not Guilty to Assault Charges After Super Bowl Appearance
Stefon Diggs, the prominent wide receiver for the New England Patriots, appeared in court on Friday, February 13, 2026, for his arraignment on allegations of assaulting his personal chef. The 32-year-old athlete entered a not guilty plea during the hearing at Dedham District Court, just days after participating in Super Bowl LX.
Court Proceedings and Legal Defense
Diggs stood before a judge alongside his legal team, where he formally denied the charges related to an incident alleged to have occurred in December 2025. Following the brief court session, Mitchell Schuster, a member of Diggs' defense team, spoke to reporters outside the courthouse. Schuster dismissed the accusations, stating, "We're confident that after the facts and evidence are reviewed in this case, he will be completely exonerated."
Details of the Alleged Assault
The case originates from a complaint filed by Diggs' personal chef, who accused him of physical assault during a dispute over unpaid wages on December 2, 2025. According to her account:
- The argument began over money she believed she was owed.
- After a text exchange about payment, Diggs allegedly entered her unlocked bedroom, where the situation escalated.
- She claimed that Diggs became angry, slapped her across the face, and then attempted to choke her using the crook of his elbow around her neck.
The chef reported the incident to police on December 16, 2025. Although she did not provide photographic evidence of injuries, she alleged experiencing redness on her upper chest as a result of the altercation.
Legal Orders and Next Steps
The court has issued a no-contact order, prohibiting Diggs from having any interaction with the alleged victim while the case is ongoing. A pre-trial hearing has been scheduled for April 1, 2026, where further proceedings will take place. This development comes amid Diggs' high-profile career in the NFL, adding a layer of public scrutiny to the legal matter.
