The Patriots‘ storybook 2025 season took a dramatic shift Tuesday when star wide receiver Stefon Diggs faced criminal charges. Things took another turn for the worse Wednesday when allegations of domestic violence against starting defensive tackle Christian Barmore surfaced.
The Patriots’ storybook 2025 season took a dramatic shift Tuesday when star wide receiver Stefon Diggs faced criminal charges.
Head coach Mike Vrabel was asked how disappointing it is to deal with the distractions that both sets of allegations bring.
“I would say not disappointing at all. I think that — these are allegations, like you mentioned in your question,” Vrabel said. “It’s things that we have to handle and every day that there’s distractions. Some are smaller than others. I’m confident that we’ll focus on the Dolphins and those two individuals that you mentioned will be able to handle the ongoing legal process.”
Diggs is charged with felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery charges, according to court documents. An arraignment is set for Jan. 23, two days before the AFC Championship Game.
Diggs told the Patriots that he “categorically denies the allegations,” the team released in a statement Tuesday.
Barmore is facing one misdemeanor charge of assault and battery on a family/household member, according to court documents. His arraignment is scheduled for Feb. 3.
His attorney, David Meier, who is also representing Diggs, said in a statement to the media, “We are confident that the evidence will demonstrate that no criminal conduct took place.”
Vrabel was asked if there was any in-house punishment coming for Diggs or Barmore.
“I don’t think we have to jump to any sort of conclusions right now,” Vrabel said. “We’ll let the process take its toll.”
Barmore was not in the facility Wednesday due to illness, Vrabel said. Diggs was at Gillette Stadium but did not hold his typical weekly media availability.
The NFL released a statement Wednesday, “Regarding both the Diggs and Barmore matters which are under review of the Personal Conduct Policy: There is no change to the status of Diggs or Barmore.
