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New England Patriots stars Stefon Diggs and Christian Barmore did not answer certain questions from reporters about the criminal allegations against them as they prepare for their final game of the season and the upcoming playoffs.
Diggs and Barmore faced reporters in the Patriots locker room on Friday, refusing to give substantive answers when asked about their legal problems.
Diggs, who was accused of attacking a private chef during a dispute over money, said it was an “emotional moment” for him, adding, “I’m sorry I wasn’t available for those two days. It’s a different time.”
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“It’s definitely an open case, so I can’t even say anything about it,” Diggs said, adding that he would answer any football-related questions.
At one point, when asked about the support he had received from his teammates, Diggs responded, “Is it a football thing? As far as football goes, I’m going to continue being the guy I’ve been.”
Diggs repeated the phrase “Is that a football question?” when asked if he had been in contact with Barmore about the situations they are in.
“I try not to be rude. I said that at the beginning,” Diggs continued.
Barmore, charged with domestic assault and battery after his girlfriend told police he had knocked her to the ground, told reporters several times: “I’m focused on Miami and playing football.”
Diggs supposedly He strangled his cook for money earlier this month. The woman told police that Diggs “punched her in the face,” that she tried to push him and that he “tried to strangle her by using his elbow around her neck.”
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Barmore allegedly grabbed A woman’s phone while trying to leave her house. The alleged victim then “tried to open the door and scream for help, but Christian grabbed her before she could and threw her to the ground,” according to authorities.
Barmore then allegedly grabbed the victim by the shirt near his neck. Barmore also allegedly told the victim that he would make his cousin “f— [her] above.”
The NFL has said that both Diggs and Barmore are eligible to play Sunday against the Miami Dolphins.
“There is no change in the status of Diggs or Barmore. Both are eligible to play at this time,” the league said in a statement. “Pursuant to the Personal Conduct Policy (attached), you may be considered for inclusion on the Exempt Commissioners List following formal charges in the form of an indictment by a grand jury, the filing of charges by a prosecutor, or an arraignment in criminal court.”
David Meier, one of Diggs’ attorneys of record, confirmed that the veteran NFL wide receiver categorically denies the claims brought against him, adding that the dispute was between an employer and an employee.
“Stefon Diggs categorically denies these allegations. They are unsubstantiated, uncorroborated, and were never investigated because they did not occur. The timing and motivation for making the allegations are very clear: They are the direct result of a financial dispute between employee and employer that was not resolved to the employee’s satisfaction. Stefon looks forward to establishing the truth in a court of law.”
Barmore’s attorney issued a statement saying, “We are confident that the evidence will demonstrate that no criminal conduct occurred. Based on the facts and the law, we hope that this personnel matter will be resolved in the near future and that both parties will move forward together.”
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New England Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore and wide receiver Stefon Diggs (Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images; Peter Joneleit/AP Photo, file)
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel was asked about recent events.
“I would say it’s not disappointing at all. It’s accusations,” Vrabel said when asked how disappointing the “distractions” were before the playoffs. “These are things we have to handle, and every day there are distractions. Some are smaller than others. I’m sure we’ll focus on the Dolphins, and those two individuals you mentioned will be able to handle the ongoing legal process.”
