Patriots' Off-Season Release Precedes Diggs Acquittal Resolution
Patriots released Diggs before his acquittal, affecting his free agent status despite strong on-field performance.
Event / Security
Stefon Diggs Assault Trial Acquittal
Former New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs was acquitted on May 5, 2026 of felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault and battery charges stemming from an alleged December 2025 incident at his home. The jury deliberated 90 minutes before reaching a not guilty verdict.
2 reported locations
Daily activity
0 articles0 articles
2026-08-18 to 2026-11-15 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 6 May, 00:07 UTC
Follow the documented timeline or explore the related reporting.
What happened
Defense challenged credibility of accuser and presented lack of physical evidence
Diggs' defense team argued that the alleged assault never occurred and questioned the credibility of Adams. They presented testimony from multiple witnesses including his hairstylist, chief of staff, massage therapist, and nurse who all testified they did not observe visible injuries on Adams in the days following the alleged incident. The defense noted no physical evidence corroborating the assault allegation was presented.
New England Patriots released Diggs during off-season prior to trial outcome
The New England Patriots released Diggs during the off-season with two years remaining on his three-year contract, clearing $16 million in salary cap space. Following his acquittal, Diggs became available to sign with other NFL teams as a free agent.
Charges stemmed from December 2025 incident with personal chef Jamila Adams
The assault and strangulation charges against Diggs originated from an alleged December 2, 2025 incident at his residence in Dedham. His former live-in personal chef, Jamila Adams, testified that Diggs slapped her with an open hand and choked her during an argument over money and their relationship.
NFL wide receiver Stefon Diggs acquitted of assault and strangulation charges
Stefon Diggs, a free agent NFL wide receiver, was found not guilty by a jury of felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault and battery charges. The trial lasted two days with jury deliberations lasting less than two hours. Diggs had entered not guilty pleas to both charges in February.
Prosecution highlighted power imbalance and financial dispute context in case
The prosecution argued that the case should be viewed within the context of Diggs' power as an athlete, celebrity, and financially dominant figure in his relationship with Adams. Prosecutors noted that Adams made escalating financial demands following the alleged incident, initially requesting $19,000 and later seeking $5.5 million in compensation, though she was evasive about the larger claim during testimony.
Diggs accused of slapping and choking live-in personal chef Jamila Adams
The case centered on a December 2 incident at Diggs' home in Dedham where Jamila Adams, his live-in personal chef, testified that Diggs slapped her with an open hand and wrapped his arm around her neck, choking her during an argument. Adams said she had been employed by Diggs since July 2025 at $2,000 per week to prepare his meals.
Stefon Diggs acquitted of assault and strangulation charges in Massachusetts court
Former New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs was found not guilty on Tuesday by a six-person jury in Dedham District Court of felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault and battery charges. Deliberations lasted 90 minutes. Diggs had pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from an alleged December 2 incident at his home in Dedham, Massachusetts.
Defense argues financial dispute motivated assault allegation
Diggs' defense attorneys contended the alleged assault never occurred and that the dispute centered on financial demands Adams made. She initially sought $19,000 in unpaid compensation, with her attorney later seeking $5.5 million. Defense attorneys also cited testimony from Diggs' staff and employees who said Adams showed no visible injuries in the days following the alleged incident.
Diggs released by New England Patriots in March 2026
Former New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs was released by the team in March 2026 despite a productive 2025 season. Diggs had signed a three-year contract with the Patriots and was a key target for quarterback Drake Maye during the team's AFC East title run.
Diggs records 1,000-yard receiving season in 2025
Diggs caught 85 passes for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns in 17 games during the 2025 season with the New England Patriots, marking his seventh 1,000-yard receiving season. In the postseason, he had 110 yards and one touchdown on 14 receptions over four games.
Read the coverage
2 alternative perspectives
Defense Challenges Evidence in Diggs Assault Case Acquittal
Defense highlighted absent physical evidence and credibility issues; jury acquitted Diggs.
Diggs' NFL Career Faces Uncertainty After Patriots Release
Diggs released by Patriots despite 1,000-yard 2025 season, following assault trial acquittal.
Stefon Diggs Acquitted of Assault Charges in Massachusetts Court
Stefon Diggs acquitted of assault charges in Massachusetts court.