Stefon Diggs Assault Trial Begins in Dedham: Former Patriots Star Pleads Not Guilty

DEDHAM, Mass. — The highly anticipated assault trial of NFL wide receiver Stefon Diggs commenced Monday at Norfolk County District Court, drawing intense media attention and scrutiny. Prosecutors alleged that Diggs, a former New England Patriots standout, physically assaulted his private chef during a heated encounter at his Dedham home in December 2025. However, Diggs’ legal team firmly denies the allegations, maintaining that the incident never occurred.

The 33-year-old Diggs, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, faces a felony strangulation charge and a misdemeanor assault and battery charge stemming from the December altercation. A jury was selected earlier Monday and received instructions on their responsibilities in evaluating the evidence presented. Diggs, who has kept a low profile in recent months, declined to comment to reporters upon his arrival at the courthouse.

Norfolk Assistant District Attorney Drew Virtue outlined the prosecution’s case during opening statements. Virtue described the alleged attack in stark detail, stating that Diggs entered the chef’s bedroom, slapped her, and applied a headlock that made it difficult for her to breathe before throwing her onto the bed. “It’s your job to determine what happened on Dec. 2,” Virtue told the jury, emphasizing the critical role jurors will play in evaluating credibility and evidence.

In contrast, Diggs’ defense attorney, Andrew Kettlewell, characterized the claims as entirely false. Kettlewell asserted that Diggs never attacked the chef and that no witnesses present in the home observed any unusual behavior. “The assault that the Commonwealth described in their opening statement never happened. It did not happen,” Kettlewell said, underscoring the absence of medical records, photographs, or video evidence supporting the allegations.

Kettlewell suggested that the incident was the culmination of an ongoing dispute between the chef, identified as Mila Adams, and members of Diggs’ entourage. The attorney explained that tensions escalated on Dec. 2 when Adams learned she would not accompany Diggs on a planned week-long trip to Miami.

According to Kettlewell, financial disagreements also played a role, noting that Adams allegedly increased her demands for money in the weeks following her police report. He urged the jury to disregard any preconceptions based on Diggs’ wealth or status as an elite athlete.

“Just like any other person in this country, rich or poor, Mr. Diggs sits here an innocent man,” Kettlewell said. “Any preconceptions or feelings you have about athletes, wealth, or anything else must be set aside and cannot interfere with the oath you took as jurors.”

During the morning session, Adams briefly took the stand before the trial recessed for lunch. Court records indicate that she reported to officers that the dispute began over money owed for her services. According to her account, Diggs allegedly smacked her across the face and then attempted to choke her by placing his elbow around her neck, leaving her struggling to breathe and fearing she might black out.

Diggs has consistently denied the accusations, with his attorney describing them as unsubstantiated claims motivated by financial disagreements. In a separate statement in February, Diggs refrained from speaking to the media, emphasizing that the matter is now in the hands of the legal system.

The assault case comes amid a pivotal period in Diggs’ professional career. Last year, he signed a three-year, $69 million contract with the New England Patriots, becoming a key target for quarterback Drake Maye during the team’s run to the AFC East title. Prior to joining the Patriots, Diggs was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 2015 and spent several seasons with the Buffalo Bills before a brief stint with the Houston Texans in 2024.

Diggs’ lone season with the Patriots marked a career resurgence, highlighted by his seventh 1,000-yard receiving campaign. He led the team with 85 receptions, totaling 1,013 yards and four touchdowns, demonstrating resilience following a season-ending knee injury that cut short his tenure with the Texans.

Despite his strong on-field performance, the Patriots released Diggs in March, leaving him a free agent. Diggs posted a farewell message on social media, expressing gratitude to the organization and teammates: “We family forever.” As of now, he has not signed with another NFL team, though speculation continues about potential suitors as the league evaluates offseason roster moves.

The trial is expected to be closely followed by both sports fans and legal observers, given Diggs’ high profile and the serious nature of the charges. Analysts note that the case could have significant implications for Diggs’ career, as any conviction might affect his marketability and future opportunities in professional football.

Legal experts also highlight the challenges jurors face in weighing conflicting testimony and the absence of physical evidence. The case will hinge on credibility assessments, the interpretation of witness statements, and whether the jury believes the incident was an intentional act of violence or a misunderstanding stemming from interpersonal and financial disputes.

As the proceedings continue, Diggs’ situation underscores the intersection of high-profile sports careers with legal accountability. Fans and commentators alike are following the trial not only to understand the outcome but also to gauge how off-field incidents impact professional athletes’ reputations and careers.

The Norfolk County District Court is expected to hear additional testimony in the coming days, including further statements from Adams and potential corroborating witnesses. Both the prosecution and defense are preparing for a detailed examination of events leading up to and following the alleged altercation.

Stefon Diggs’ case serves as a reminder of the complex pressures faced by professional athletes, balancing public scrutiny, personal relationships, and career expectations. As the trial unfolds, all eyes remain on Dedham, Massachusetts, where a jury will decide the fate of one of football’s most talented wide receivers.