The 2025 season has been something of a dream come true for the New England Patriots, who have suffered through almost a half decade of mediocrity after dominating the NFL for almost 20 years.

Heading into Week 18, the Patriots are AFC East champs again and still have a shot at landing the AFC’s top seed. In Drake Maye, they have a quarterback who many see as the league’s MVP as the season draws to a close. Pretty much everything in the Patriots’ garden is rosy.

Pretty much, but not quite everything.

News broke on Tuesday (30th December) that wide receiver Stefon Diggs is facing felony strangulation or suffocation charges, in addition to misdemeanour assault and battery charges, allegedly stemming from an incident that occurred exactly four weeks previously, some time after the Patriots beat the New York Giants on Monday Night Football.

The Patriots have jumped to defend Diggs, who joined the team ahead of the 2025 season after an injury-ruined campaign with the Houston Texans, and has been instrumental in their return to prominence.

“The New England Patriots are aware of the accusations that have been made regarding Stefon Diggs,” the team said in an official statement. “Stefon has informed the organisation that he categorically denies the allegations. We support Stefon. We will continue to gather information and will cooperate fully with the appropriate authorities and the NFL as necessary. Out of respect for all parties involved, and given that this is an ongoing legal matter, we will have no further comment at this time.”

Diggs’ attorney, Michael DiStefano, appearing remotely in Dedham District Court, argued that the police report details should remain sealed, and revealed Diggs has made a financial offer to the alleged victim in a bid to resolve the dispute.

If Diggs is to be arraigned, the hearing would take place on January 23rd 2026 — which might be an issue, as the Patriots will be hoping that they’ll be playing in the AFC title game on the 25th. It is assumed that the situation will likely be resolved, one way or another, before then.

Diggs leads the Patriots with 82 receptions and 970 yards this season, with four touchdown receptions along the way. Thirty yards in Sunday’s season finale against Miami would give the veteran a seventh career season with at least 1,000 yards.