The courtroom doors swung open Monday for Stefon Diggs, marking a pivotal moment in the free-agent receiver's off-field saga. The four-time Pro Bowler is now facing a jury after his criminal trial officially kicked off with jury selection and opening statements in the morning session.
Diggs, who was released by the New England Patriots in March, is charged with felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault. The charges stem from a December incident involving his personal chef, who alleges the wideout got physical during a dispute over unpaid wages. According to court records, the chef told police that Diggs smacked her across the face and attempted to choke her using the crook of his elbow around her neck.
The trial is expected to span several days, with the prosecution's case largely hinging on the alleged victim's testimony. Diggs, who pleaded not guilty in February, has maintained his innocence throughout the process. His attorney, Mitchell Schuster, was emphatic in his defense earlier this year: "He is completely innocent. He will be completely exonerated."
Diggs' legal troubles have cast a shadow over his NFL future. After posting 85 receptions for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns in New England's run to their 12th Super Bowl appearance, the 32-year-old was cut loose. No team has publicly expressed interest in signing him, and many speculate that franchises are waiting to see the outcome of this trial—and any potential NFL discipline under the league's personal conduct policy—before making a move.
This isn't the first high-profile legal case to shake up the NFL offseason. Earlier this year, prosecutors cleared DK Metcalf of criminal charges in a separate altercation, highlighting the league's ongoing scrutiny of player conduct. Meanwhile, former NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez's trial was delayed again as he faces felony battery charges, underscoring the legal hurdles some players face.
Diggs' camp has continued to assert that the alleged incident never happened. The chef first reported the incident to authorities on December 16, two weeks after it allegedly occurred—a delay that Diggs' legal team may use to question the timeline and credibility of the accusations.
As the trial unfolds, the sports world watches closely. For Diggs, the stakes couldn't be higher: a conviction could derail his career and lead to significant prison time. But if his attorney's prediction holds true, Diggs could walk away exonerated and free to pursue his next NFL chapter. For now, all eyes are on the courtroom.
