NFL

Patriots Face Challenges With Off-Field Legal Troubles

‘There is no change to the status of Diggs or Barmore. Both are eligible to play at this time,’ the NFL spokesman said.
Patriots Face Challenges With Off-Field Legal Troubles
Stefon Diggs, now with the New England Patriots, looks on from the sidelines prior to a game at NRG Stadium in Houston, on Dec. 25, 2024. Alex Slitz/Getty Images
Matthew Davis
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The New England Patriots’ resurgence has been one of the biggest stories of the 2025 season, but the AFC East leaders now face a challenging chapter with off-field legal trouble for two star players.

Wide receiver Stefon Diggs and defensive tackle Christian Barmore are both facing criminal charges, which could affect their availability in the postseason. The Patriots (13–3) are poised to have the No. 2 seed in the AFC playoffs with a Week 18 game against the Miami Dolphins (7–9).

Matthew Davis
Matthew Davis
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Matthew Davis is an experienced, award-winning journalist who has covered major professional and college sports for years. His writing has appeared on Heavy, the Star Tribune, and The Catholic Spirit. He has a degree in mass communication from North Dakota State University.