Stefon Diggs Acquitted in Assault Case

Big news from the legal world for NFL fans! After a two-day trial, a Massachusetts jury has delivered a verdict in the case against wide receiver Stefon Diggs. Diggs faced serious charges, including felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault, stemming from an incident with his former live-in chef.

Not Guilty Verdict Delivered

On Tuesday, the jury found Stefon Diggs not guilty on all counts. Diggs had pleaded not guilty to the charges, which accused him of assaulting Jamila Adams, his former chef, during an argument last December. Adams had testified that Diggs slapped and choked her over a pay dispute.

The defense team for Diggs presented a strong case, highlighting financial demands made by Adams and presenting testimony from friends and employees. They argued that Adams did not appear injured after the alleged assault and even shared a video of her dancing shortly after the incident.

Defense Highlights and Prosecution’s Argument

Mitch Schuster, part of Diggs’ defense team, released a statement emphasizing their consistent position: “Mr. Diggs was wrongly accused, and this case represents exactly the kind of opportunistic targeting that players can face the moment they step off the field.” Diggs himself was visibly emotional upon hearing the verdict, expressing gratitude to his legal team.

During the trial, prosecutors focused on Adams’ testimony, acknowledging she wasn’t a “perfect witness” but urging jurors to give her account due weight. Adams admitted her relationship with Diggs was “complicated,” including a past sexual relationship, though they were not together at the time of the alleged assault.

Key Testimony and Discrepancies

Adams testified that the argument began over money she claimed she was owed. However, parts of her testimony were stricken from the record, including an accusation that Diggs offered her $100,000 to retract her statement. Further questions arose when her attorney’s alleged pursuit of a $5.5 million settlement from Diggs was brought up, to which Adams stated she “can’t speak on that.”

Adding to the defense’s points, an investigating officer noted no visible injuries on Adams when he spoke with her after she reported the incident, and no photographs were taken. Diggs’ own employees, including his chief of staff and hairstylist, testified that they saw Adams around the time of the alleged assault and she never mentioned any such incident.

Diggs, who recently played for the Patriots and helped them reach the Super Bowl, was released by the team in March. Had he been convicted, he could have faced significant prison time. This acquittal allows him to move forward, both personally and professionally.