Content warning: This story contains descriptions of alleged assault.
The New England Patriots have players on both sides of the ball facing charges after being accused of violence against women in separate incidents, and both declined to discuss their cases Friday ahead of their team’s regular-season finale against the Miami Dolphins.
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Wide receiver Stefon Diggs, 32, faces a criminal charge of strangulation and a misdemeanor charge of assault and battery. Diggs’ personal manager alleges that during a dispute over her salary on December 2, Diggs hit her and placed his hands around her neck, causing her to have difficulty breathing and making her feel dizzy. according to Boston 25 News, which cited the police report.
Defensive tackle Christian Barmore, 26, faces a misdemeanor charge of assault and battery against a household/family member. Barmore’s girlfriend at the time claims that on August 8, an argument over the temperature of the house and the food ultimately led to Barmore throwing her to the ground and grabbing her shirt at her neck before letting her get up. according to WCVB TV in Boston, which cited court documents.
Diggs leads the Patriots with 82 receptions and 970 receiving yards this season, and Barmore has 26 total tackles, including three for a loss and a sack.
They are eligible to play Sunday against the Dolphins. New England can clinch the AFC’s No. 1 seed, which comes with a first-round bye and home-field advantage, if it beats Miami and the Denver Broncos lose or tie the Los Angeles Chargers — or if the Patriots tie and the Broncos lose.
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“It’s definitely an open case, so I can’t even say anything about it,” Diggs said Friday. by ESPNduring his first media appearance since the announcement of the accusations against him.
Diggs noted, however, that it was a “very emotional time” and that he was “taken up by some of the things that were happening,” as reported by ESPN.
Barmore reiterated that he is focused on preparing for the Dolphins.
“I’m focused on Miami. I’m focused on football,” he said in his first public comments. according to the Associated Press.
Both Diggs and Barmore are represented by attorney David Meier, who has released statements denying the accusations.
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Diggs’ arraignment is scheduled for Jan. 23, while Barmore’s arraignment is scheduled for Feb. 3, according to ESPN.
“We took the allegations very seriously, and what comes out of this, I think we’ll have another discussion then,” Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel said. according to the AP.
“But I don’t think we should jump to conclusions right now and let the process take its toll.”
