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A Massachusetts jury found former New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs not guilty of felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault and battery on Tuesday (May 5) after a two-day trial involving allegations from his former private chef. The case centered on a December 2 incident at Diggs’ Dedham home, where Jamila Adams, who worked as his live-in chef, testified that he slapped and choked her during an argument over pay and personal matters.
During the trial at Norfolk County District Court, Adams described a "complicated" relationship with Diggs, saying it had previously been sexual before she was hired to prepare his meals. She alleged Diggs "smacked me with an open hand" and then "wrapped his arm around my neck and choked me." Adams said she did not take photos of her injuries because she was in shock.
Diggs pleaded not guilty to both charges in February. His attorneys argued the incident never happened, questioning Adams’ credibility and suggesting the dispute was about money, including an alleged $5.5 million demand from Adams’ attorney. Testimony from Diggs’ friends and employees indicated Adams did not appear injured in the days after the alleged incident, according to NFL.com. Defense attorney Andrew Kettlewell told jurors prosecutors had not presented "a single shred of credible evidence" to support the assault claim.
Prosecutors urged jurors to consider Adams’ account, despite her sometimes emotional and evasive responses on the stand. Assistant District Attorney Drew Virtue said Adams’ behavior should be viewed in the context of a "complicated" relationship, emphasizing that her testimony deserved scrutiny but not dismissal.
The jury deliberated for less than two hours before returning the not guilty verdicts. After the decision, Diggs’ attorney Mitchell Schuster told reporters, "He’s happy that he’s been vindicated. No one, whether you’re a professional athlete or a business person, wants to be falsely accused."
Diggs, who signed a three-year, $69 million contract with New England last year, was released by the Patriots in March. His acquittal could pave the way for him to sign with another NFL team for his twelfth season, according to his attorney.