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.

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

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).

Diggs is facing strangulation and other criminal charges in connection with an alleged dispute with his former private chef. Barmore is facing a domestic assault and battery charge after his girlfriend allegedly told police he threw her to the ground in August 2025. The NFL is reviewing the cases, but both are eligible to play this week.

“Regarding both the Diggs and Barmore matters which are under review of the Personal Conduct Policy,” NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy said on Dec. 31. “There is no change to the status of Diggs or Barmore. Both are eligible to play at this time.”

Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel didn’t see this as a derailment to the season despite both Diggs and Barmore being key players to the team. Diggs is leading the team in receiving with 82 receptions for 970 yards and four touchdowns, and Barmore has a sack and 26 tackles.

“I would say not disappointing at all. These are allegations,” Vrabel told reporters on Dec. 31. “It’s two things that we have to handle. Every day, there are distractions, some smaller than others. I’m confident that we’ll focus on the Dolphins, and those two individuals ... will be able to handle the ongoing legal process.”

Diggs’s attorney, David Meier, also made a statement on the receiver’s behalf on Dec. 30.

“Stefon Diggs categorically denies these allegations. They are unsubstantiated, uncorroborated, and were never investigated—because they did not occur,” Meier said in a statement to news outlets. “The timing and motivation for making the allegations is crystal clear: they are the direct result of an employee-employer financial dispute that was not resolved to the employee’s satisfaction. Stefon looks forward to establishing the truth in a court of law.”

Meier, also Barmore’s attorney, released a statement regarding the matter.

“We are confident that the evidence will demonstrate that no criminal conduct took place,” Meier said. “Based on the facts and the law, we expect that this personal matter will be resolved in the near future and both parties will move forward together.”

New England has been aware of Barmore’s allegations all season, according to a team statement. Barmore has played in all 16 games at started 15 thus far despite the organization’s knowledge.

“The New England Patriots are aware of reports regarding a pending February arraignment involving Christian Barmore, which stems from an alleged domestic incident that occurred in August,“ the  Dec. 31 statement reads. ”The Patriots were made aware at the time of the incident and informed the NFL in a timely manner. The matter remains part of an ongoing legal process.”

“We will respect that process, continue to monitor the situation closely, as we have over the past few months, and cooperate fully with the league. We will have no further comment at this time,” the statement continued.

Vrabel made it clear that there’s no rush to conclusions and that the team has followed league policies.

“We always want to gather more information, but we’ve been aware of these allegations,” Vrabel said. “It’s not like yesterday, and today is the first that we’ve heard about them, and we’ve tried to do everything in accordance with the league policy and making sure that we’re in compliance with the league.”

Both players remain eligible but could be placed on the Commissioner’s Exempt List under the league’s Personal Conduct Policy. That would mean the league would investigate while the policy violations remain alleged in criminal law.

Vrabel doesn’t see it as a reason to fear for his team’s season. New England, which hasn’t lost a road game this year, is fifth in both points scored and points allowed this season.

“Afraid? No, not afraid,” Vrabel said. “I’m 50 years old. Gonna be 51. I’m not afraid. I love coaching this football team.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.