New England Patriots’ Star Stefon Diggs Arrested After Woman Accuses Him of Slapping, Choking Her

New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs has been accused of slapping and choking a woman during an alleged incident at his Massachusetts home on the night of Dec. 2, according to a police report.

Diggs, 32, is facing a felony charge of strangulation and a misdemeanor charge of assault. Cardi B, the Grammy-winning rapper with whom Diggs is in a relationship, is not the alleged victim in the case.

Diggs is scheduled to appear in Dedham District Court for arraignment on Jan. 23, just two days before the Patriots—currently in playoff contention—could potentially compete in the AFC Championship Game.

The alleged incident took place at Diggs’ $2.5 million home in Dedham, a suburb roughly 15 miles south of Boston. According to the police report, the woman told authorities that she and Diggs had a disagreement over money.

She initially reported the incident to police on Dec. 16 but declined to press charges at that time. On Dec. 23, she notified authorities that she had changed her mind and wished to move forward with charges.

During her initial interview with police, the woman stated that she had been employed by Diggs and quit her job on the night of the alleged incident.

Diggs, who is in the first year of a three-year, $69 million contract with the Patriots, has denied the allegations. His attorney, David Meier, said the claims are false and were never substantiated or investigated because, he said, the incident did not occur. Meier added that the allegations stem from an unresolved financial dispute between Diggs and a former employee.

The New England Patriots also issued a statement, saying Diggs has informed the organization that he denies the allegations and that the team supports him. The franchise said it will continue to gather information and cooperate with authorities and the NFL as needed, adding that it would have no further comment out of respect for those involved.

The NFL has acknowledged that it is aware of the charges against Diggs.