Jury selection begins in former Patriots receiver Stefon Diggs’ assault trial

DEDHAM, Mass. (AP) — Jury choice started Monday within the assault trial of former New England Patriots broad receiver Stefon Diggs in reference to a heated dispute he had along with his non-public chef.

The four-time Professional Bowl wideout pleaded not guilty in February to a felony strangulation cost and a misdemeanor assault and battery cost stemming from the alleged dispute along with his former non-public chef.

Diggs declined to talk to reporters as he arrived at Norfolk County District Courtroom in Dedham, a Boston suburb.

In keeping with courtroom information, the chef informed officers that she and Diggs had argued about cash he owed her for work. Throughout the Dec. 2 encounter at his dwelling in Dedham, Massachusetts, she mentioned, he “smacked her throughout the face” after which “tried to choke her utilizing the criminal of his elbow round her neck,” leaving her feeling wanting breath. She informed officers she had bother respiratory and felt she might have blacked out.

Diggs’ legal professional has mentioned he “categorically denies these allegations,” calling them unsubstantiated and motivated by a monetary dispute. Diggs didn’t communicate to reporters exterior courtroom in February.

Diggs signed a three-year, $69 million contract with New England final yr and was a key goal for quarterback Drake Maye through the Patriots’ AFC East title run. Earlier than becoming a member of the Patriots, Diggs was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 2015 and performed for the Buffalo Payments earlier than a quick stint with the Houston Texans in 2024.

Diggs’ 1,000-yard season with the Patriots marked the seventh of his profession. It helped full a profitable profession revival after a season-ending knee damage derailed what turned out to be a one-year stick with the Houston Texans in 2024.

Diggs, who led the workforce with 85 receptions and 1,013 yards receiving with 4 touchdowns in his solely season with the Patriots, was launched by the workforce in March. Diggs posted a goodbye on social media, thanking the Patriots for the season and saying: “We household perpetually.”

Diggs has but to signal with one other workforce.