Patriots’ Stefon Diggs pleads not guilty to assault allegation

BOSTON (AP) — New England Patriots huge receiver Stefon Diggs on Friday pleaded not responsible to felony strangulation and other criminal charges stemming from an alleged dispute along with his private chef.

The arraignment at Massachusetts’s Dedham District Courtroom was postponed till after Super Bowl LX so Diggs may play within the NFL championship sport.

On the arraignment, Diggs was scheduled to subsequent seem for a pretrial listening to on April 1.

In response to courtroom information, the chef advised Dedham officers she and Diggs argued about cash he owed her for her work. In the course of the Dec. 2 encounter at his house, 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.

Diggs’ arraignment was initially slated for Jan. 23 however was moved to Feb. 13 — 5 days after the Patriots’ 29-13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

Diggs’ lawyer has mentioned he “categorically denies these allegations,” calling them unsubstantiated and motivated by a monetary dispute. The Patriots launched a press release saying they assist him.

Investigators allege the lady first reported the incident to police on Dec. 16, two weeks after it occurred; she initially hesitated to file prices however later selected to take action, in line with courtroom paperwork.

The arraignment Friday was the primary courtroom look within the case. The decide was anticipated to deal with bail situations and set future listening to dates.