The New England Patriots‘ wide receiver Stefon Diggs has been accused of violence by his live-in private chef. Mila Adams told the police that on December 2, the player had slapped and choked her after an argument. She filed a report on December 16. In the wake of these allegations, the Patriots have released a statement.

“The New England Patriots are aware of the accusations that have been made regarding Stefon Diggs,” the Patriots mentioned in a statement on Tuesday. “Stefon has informed the organization 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 is currently facing strangulation charges, and the news broke after a court hearing on Tuesday in Dedham, Massachusetts. However, Diggs’ lawyer, David Meier, has mentioned that his client has denied the allegations, describing them as unsubstantiated and uncorroborated.

The narrative in a court filing mentions that Diggs entered Adams’ bedroom and was angry about a discussion about money that he owed her. When she informed Diggs that she hadn’t been paid, he reportedly responded with “lies” and walked away. Adams had been hired by the player in July to cook for him for the entire NFL season. She mentioned he owed her at least a month’s pay.

Adams alleged that Diggs then “smacked her across the face” and “tried to choke her using the crook of his elbow around her neck” during the argument.

Officer Kenneth J. Ellis mentioned that Adams recalled having trouble breathing as the Patriots player wrapped his arm around her neck from behind.

Post the incident, Adams told authorities that she went to stay with a friend but went back to Diggs’ home on December 9 to collect her things.

As per reports, when she once again texted the Patriots player about her dues, he referred her to his assistant, who wanted her to sign an NDA. However, the police report mentions that she did not sign any such document.

Stefon Diggs’ lawyer establishes motivation behind the allegations

“The timing and motivation for making the allegations is crystal clear: they are the direct result of an employee-employer financial dispute that was not resolved to the employee’s satisfaction,” the attorney mentioned in his statement. “Stefon looks forward to establishing the truth in a court of law.”

Now, as per records from the court, Diggs is to be arraigned on January 23. That would be two days before the AFC Championship game.

The police report also mentions that Adams was initially reluctant to press charges, and that she had received a voicemail and text messages from a woman she believed was Diggs’ girlfriend. However, Adams did not name the woman.

Three days later, Adams asked the authorities to go ahead and file criminal charges.

This news comes less than a week before the Patriots end their 2025 regular season against the Miami Dolphins. The team is 13-3, has already clinched a spot in the NFL playoffs by winning the AFC East, and can still capture the No. 1 seed if they manage to defeat the Dolphins (and if the Broncos lose to the Chargers).

It goes without saying that Diggs is an important player for New England, which is eyeing its first postseason run since 2021. He has been quarterback Drake Maye’s go-to target.

The NFL could sideline Stefon Diggs

Though the team is supporting Diggs, the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy empowers the league to place any player on paid leave, officially known as the Commissioner Exempt List. Referring to the latest edition of the policy by the league, paid leave is available under three circumstances:

• When a player is formally charged with a felony offense or a crime of violence.
• When an investigation leads the Commissioner to believe that a player may have violated the Personal Conduct Policy.
• In cases in which a violation relating to a crime of violence is alleged, but further investigation is required.

If the league investigates the matter, considering the seriousness of the allegations, they have broad discretion to sideline Diggs. Though Diggs’ lawyers are trying to keep the court documents sealed, there is a chance that the NFL would demand access to those documents immediately to start their own review.

This creates a tricky situation for the Patriots, as the league would want to apply the rules fairly. As of now, the NFL said it is aware of the matter and has been in contact with the Patriots, but refused to further comment on it.