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Two members of the New England Patriots are eligible to play in what could be a decisive game this weekend despite the egregious accusations made against them earlier this week.
Stefon Diggs is alleged to have strangled his cook for money earlier this month. The woman told police that Diggs “punched her in the face,” she tried to push him away, and then he “tried to strangle her by using his elbow around her neck.”
Just one day after allegations against Diggs came to light, it was revealed that Christian Barmore allegedly assaulted a woman he was in a relationship with in August.
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(Left) New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs (8) before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on Sept. 21, 2025. (Right) New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs (8) leaves the field after an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Nov. 23, 2025. (Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images;Peter Joneleit/AP Photo, File)
While the league and the Patriots wait for the legal process to play out, the league said 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), consideration for inclusion on the Exempt Commissioners List may be considered 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.”
Stefon Diggs of the New England Patriots warms up before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on October 5, 2025 in Orchard Park, New York. (Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
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Head coach Mike Vrabel brushed aside any potential “distraction” when asked if he was “disappointed” by the allegations.
“Well, I would say it’s not disappointing at all. I think it’s accusations,” Vrabel said. “These are things we have to manage and every day there are distractions, some are smaller than others. I’m sure we will focus on the Dolphins, and those two individuals… will be able to handle the ongoing legal process.
Barmore allegedly grabbed the victim’s phone as he attempted to leave his residence. 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.” 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.”
David Meier represents both players. Meier issued the following statement after Diggs’ allegations surfaced:
“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.”
When Barmore’s allegations became public Wednesday, Meier said, “We are confident that the evidence will demonstrate that no criminal conduct occurred. Based on the facts and the law, we hope that this personal matter will be resolved in the near future and that both parties will move forward together.”
Christian Barmore of the New England Patriots reacts during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on December 7, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Barmore has been charged with one count of assault and battery on a family or household member.
