Former New England Patriots football player Stefon Diggs is scheduled to face trial on May 4 in a criminal casestemming from assault and strangulation allegations tied to a dispute with a former private chef.
A judge set the trial date during a pretrial hearing in Boston on Wednesday, advancing a case that has drawn attention across the football world. Prosecutors allege the incident occurred last year inside Diggs’ residence and resulted in multiple criminal charges.
Stefon Diggs, who was released by the New England Patriots last month, is facing several criminal charges stemming from an alleged dispute with his former private chef. https://t.co/JlEUHk3mkU
— NBC News (@NBCNews) April 1, 2026
Diggs did not attend the hearing. Court records show he is currently out of state, and the judge did not require his presence during the proceeding.
During the hearing, attorneys for both sides addressed several pending motions. The discussion focused on defense requests for access to text messages and emails that lawyers say could support Diggs’ account of the dispute. The parties also resolved procedural questions surrounding a protective order governing communications and evidence in the case.
Diggs first appeared in court in early February for his arraignment. The proceeding lasted slightly more than a minute. The veteran football player entered a not guilty plea and left the courthouse without addressing reporters.
The court released Diggs on personal recognizance. As part of the order, he must avoid contact with the alleged victim while the case moves through the legal system.
Outside the courthouse after the arraignment, Diggs’ attorney, Mitchell Schuster, said the former Patriots receiver intends to fight the charges and expects the evidence to clear his name.
“We are confident that after the facts and evidence are reviewed in this case he will be exonerated,” Schuster said. “It’s frustrating for him to have to be here knowing what really happened.”
Schuster added that the defense believes a full review of communications and witness accounts will reshape the case.
Legal observers say testimony may prove decisive. A legal analyst with NBC10 Boston, said the prosecution could face difficulty without direct testimony from the alleged victim.
“The case really will hinge on who’s credible here, as to what took place in his house between the two of them,” Coyne said. “Absent her testifying, it is almost an impossible case for the government to succeed without the witness testimony.”
The scheduled trial now marks the next stage in a closely watched legal battle involving football’s most recognizable wide receivers. Courts will determine whether the evidence supports the charges against Diggs.
