Police release shocking details as NFL star Stefon Diggs charged with assault and strangulation
Stefon Diggs' lawyer tried to have the police report sealed
A police report regarding the alleged crimes committed by Stefon Diggs has been made public.
Earlier today (December 30), it was revealed that Diggs has been charged with felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanour assault and battery.
The New England Patriots star has denied the allegations he's facing, and his football team has insisted that it 'supports' the wide receiver.
It said in a statement, per ESPN: "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.
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"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."
Diggs' lawyer, Michael DiStefano, requested that the police report on the alleged December 2 incident be kept sealed, but a judge has allowed it to be made public.
Court documents and a Dedham Police Department report obtained by Boston 25 News (via Yahoo! Sports) say that the alleged victim is a woman who identified herself as Diggs' former personal chef.
The report was dated December 16. Reportedly, she was reluctant to file the report because of Diggs' celebrity status.
On the day in question, Diggs and his chef reportedly had a dispute over payment, with her claiming the NFL star owed her a month's pay.
During the dispute, Diggs allegedly smacked the woman before placing his hands around her neck, causing her to feel lightheaded. The alleged incident left her in pain and struggling to swallow. Per the report, she feared for her safety and said she 'could have blacked out'.
Police penned in the documentation: "She said that she is normally paid by wire transfer, and the initial agreement was for weekly pay. She said that since she has been working, she has been getting paid monthly instead.
"As of now, she said that she still believes she is owed a month’s pay."
The chef is believed to have worked for Diggs since July. Reportedly, she resigned from her position after the alleged assault, and then the footballer proceeded to ask her to sign a non-disclosure agreement.
The report also stated that the police tried to contact Diggs several times before the report was filed.
Diggs' attorney, David Meier, told The Independent that the allegations against the NFL star are 'unsubstantiated, uncorroborated, and were never investigated -- because they did not occur', adding: "The timing and motivation for making the allegations is crystal clear: they are the direct result of an employee-employer financial dispute that was not resolved to the employee’s satisfaction.
"Stefon looks forward to establishing the truth in a court of law."
The Patriots star's arraignment has been scheduled for January 23.
UNILAD have previously approached Diggs' rep for comment on the matter.
Niamh Shackleton