FOXBOROUGH, January 1 (TNF): New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel said he has not heard anything from the NFL that would stop wide receiver Stefon Diggs from playing in Sunday’s regular-season finale. Diggs is facing strangulation and other criminal charges linked to a dispute involving his former private chef, but the league has said he remains eligible to play.
Vrabel spoke to reporters on Wednesday, a day after the Patriots issued a statement backing Diggs following the public emergence of the allegations. Vrabel repeated that support while stressing that the team is treating the matter seriously and will allow the legal process to play out.
“We’ve made a statement and we’ve taken the allegations very seriously,” Vrabel said. He added that he did not think the team should rush to conclusions at this stage and said he wanted the process to run its course.
Diggs did not address the media on Wednesday, which has been his usual routine throughout the season. He was, however, present with the team. He was seen in the locker room before practice and was also on the practice field as preparations continued for the final game.
The NFL also issued its own statement on the situation. It said Diggs is eligible to play this weekend. That clarification removed any immediate uncertainty about his availability for a game that could still impact New England’s postseason position.
The charges became widely known after a court hearing on Tuesday in Dedham, Massachusetts. Diggs has been charged with felony strangulation or suffocation, along with a misdemeanor count of assault and battery.
Police said the former chef told investigators that Diggs hit her and tried to choke her during a discussion about money. The complaint centres on what police described as a physical confrontation that escalated during that exchange.
Diggs has denied the allegations through his lawyer. Attorney David Meier said in an emailed statement that Diggs “categorically denies these allegations.” Meier described the claims as unsubstantiated and not supported by corroborating evidence.
Vrabel said he does not expect the situation to become a distraction for the Patriots as they head into the last week of the regular season. He said distractions are part of professional sport and the team’s focus remains on the opponent.
“I think these are allegations. Things that we have to handle,” Vrabel said. He added that every day brings issues of different sizes, but he believes the team will stay locked in on Sunday’s matchup against the Miami Dolphins.
The Patriots enter the weekend with a 13-3 record. They have already secured their first AFC East title since 2019. There is still another reward in reach. A Patriots win on Sunday, combined with a Denver Broncos loss or tie against the Los Angeles Chargers, would also earn New England the top seed in the AFC playoffs and a first-round bye.
Diggs has been one of the most productive players on the roster this season. The 32-year-old joined New England before the current campaign after a trade from Houston. He leads the Patriots in receiving with 82 catches and 970 yards, making him a central figure in the offence as the team heads into January football.
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