New England Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore and wide receiver Stefon Diggs are confronting serious legal charges as the team prepares for the NFL playoffs. Barmore faces a misdemeanor assault and battery charge from an August incident, while Diggs is charged with felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault from a December altercation. Both players deny the allegations, and the Patriots have expressed support while cooperating with authorities.
The New England Patriots, fresh off clinching the AFC East division, are dealing with off-field distractions involving two key players ahead of their regular-season finale against the Miami Dolphins on January 3, 2026.
Christian Barmore, a 26-year-old defensive tackle in his fifth NFL season, faces a misdemeanor charge of assault and battery on a family or household member. The incident occurred on August 8, 2025, in Mansfield, Massachusetts, involving Sloan Smith-Jurdsky, the mother of his child. According to court documents, Barmore became angry over the air conditioner being set to 70 degrees instead of 68 and accused her of stealing food. He allegedly took her phone, threw her to the floor, and grabbed her by the shirt near her neck. Smith-Jurdsky, who was seven weeks pregnant at the time, reported bruises and claimed Barmore threatened to have family members assault her. She did not initially press charges, but a criminal complaint was issued on December 16, 2025. Barmore is scheduled for arraignment on February 3, 2026.
Barmore's attorney, David Meier, stated: "We are confident that the evidence will demonstrate that no criminal conduct took place. Based on the facts and the law, we expect that this personal matter will be resolved in the near future and both parties will move forward together."
In a related development, wide receiver Stefon Diggs faces charges of felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery stemming from a December 2, 2025, incident in Dedham, Massachusetts. The accuser, a private chef, alleged that after discussing unpaid wages, Diggs entered her bedroom, smacked her, and attempted to choke her with his elbow when she pushed him away. She filed charges on December 22, 2025, and claims Diggs' assistant urged her to sign a nondisclosure agreement. Diggs' arraignment is set for January 23, 2026, and he "categorically denies" the allegations.
The Patriots issued statements on both cases. For Barmore: "The New England Patriots are aware of reports regarding a pending February arraignment involving Christian Barmore, which stems from an alleged domestic incident that occurred in August. The Patriots were made aware at the time of the incident and informed the NFL in a timely manner. The matter remains part of an ongoing legal process. We will respect that process, continue to monitor the situation closely, as we have over the past few months, and cooperate fully with the league. We will have no further comment at this time."
For Diggs: "The New England Patriots are aware of the accusations that have been made regarding Stefon Diggs. Stefon has informed the organization that he categorically denies the allegations. We support Stefon. We will continue to gather information and will cooperate fully with the appropriate authorities and the NFL as necessary. Out of respect for all parties involved, and given that this is an ongoing legal matter, we will have no further comment at this time."
The NFL confirmed it is aware of both matters and in contact with the team, noting they are under review for potential personal conduct policy violations. Both players remain eligible to play, though they could face placement on the Commissioner Exempt List following formal proceedings.
Head coach Mike Vrabel addressed the situations on Wednesday, emphasizing focus on the Dolphins game. "I would say not disappointing at all. These are allegations, and it's things we have to handle," Vrabel said. "I'm confident that we'll focus on the Dolphins and that the two individuals mentioned will be able to handle the ongoing legal process." He added that Barmore was absent from practice due to illness but expects both players to be available Sunday. Vrabel stressed avoiding conclusions until the legal processes conclude.
Barmore, a 2021 second-round pick from Alabama, has recorded 26 tackles and one sack in 16 games this season. Diggs, in the first year of a three-year, $69 million contract, leads the team with 82 receptions for 970 yards and is 30 yards shy of 1,000, a mark not reached by a Patriots receiver since Julian Edelman in 2019.
A win over Miami, combined with a Denver Broncos loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, would secure the AFC's No. 1 seed for New England, marking their first playoff appearance since 2021.
