Here’s Why Stefon Diggs Is Still Eligible to Play After Assault Charges 

New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs was charged with felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault and battery just days before the playoffs began. Despite this, Diggs joined his teammates on the field in a game against the Miami Dolphins. While the NFL can suspend players facing legal charges, Diggs is still allowed to play. Here’s why.

Stefon Diggs’ former chef accused him of assault

Diggs’ former live-in chef alleges that on Dec. 2, she spoke to Diggs in his bedroom about wages she believed he owed her. He told her in early November her employment would not be needed the week of Nov. 7 and asked that she leave the house. As she did not request the time off, she believed he should still pay her for the week. 

The chef alleged that an argument ensued between them and that Diggs became physically violent.

“She alleges that the male then smacked her across the face,” reads the police report, per Boston 25 News. “She said that she tried to push him away. The male then tried to choke her using the crook of his elbow around her neck. She said that he was behind her with his arm wrapped around her. She said that she did feel like she had trouble breathing and that she felt like she could have blacked out.”

Diggs has denied these allegations.

Stefon Diggs has continued to play for the Patriots despite assault charges

Diggs has continued to play with the Patriots despite the charges against him. He faces the possibility of landing on the NFL’s Commissioner Exempt List, which is a paid administrative leave. Per Us Weekly, this would bar him from participating in practices or attending games. Players charged with felonies or crimes of violence can be placed on the list.

While Diggs has been charged with a felony offense, an NFL spokesperson noted that they “were charges filed with a police department, not formal charges as explained in the league’s policy.” Players on the Commissioner Exempt List would be charged “in the form of an indictment by a grand jury, the filing of charges by a prosecutor, or an arraignment in a criminal court.”

Charges of violent crime reportedly require further investigation. As a result, Diggs can still play for the time being.

His team released a statement about the matter

Diggs’ lawyer has categorically denied the allegations against his client. The Patriots have also stood by him, though they have not commented much on the matter.

“The New England Patriots are aware of the accusations that have been made regarding Stefon Diggs,” they said in a statement. “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.”