Diggs Avoids NFL Discipline
NFL Clears Stefon Diggs of Personal Conduct Violation Following Acquittal on Charges
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The NFL will not discipline Stefon Diggs under its personal conduct policy, the league announced June 12. Associated Press reported that NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy stated: "There is insufficient evidence to support a finding of a personal conduct policy violation." The decision comes one month after a Massachusetts jury found Diggs not guilty of felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault against his personal chef.
Diggs, 32, helped the New England Patriots reach Super Bowl LX in February 2026, posting 85 receptions, 1,013 yards, and 4 touchdowns during the regular season, according to Associated Press. The Patriots released him in March 2026. He is now a free agent, cleared of both criminal charges and any league punishment.
A Quick Jury Verdict Sealed the Case
The criminal trial in Norfolk County, Massachusetts, lasted just two days. Jamila "Mila" Adams, Diggs' former live-in personal chef, testified that he slapped and choked her during a dispute over unpaid wages on December 2, 2025, according to Boston 25 News. The jury deliberated for less than two hours before returning not guilty verdicts on both counts on May 5, 2026.
Defense attorneys attacked the accuser's credibility throughout the trial. Los Angeles Times reported that lawyers highlighted a $5.5 million settlement demand Adams made before trial. Defense attorney Andrew Kettlewell argued that prosecutors failed to provide "a single shred of credible evidence" beyond Adams' testimony, and that no photos or medical records of injuries were ever produced.
NFL's Personal Conduct Policy Has a Lower Bar Than Courts
The NFL's personal conduct policy lets Commissioner Roger Goodell suspend players even if they are never charged with a crime. The league uses a lower "burden of proof" than a courtroom. Several high-profile players have been punished without a conviction. Ezekiel Elliott was suspended 6 games in 2017 for domestic violence allegations despite never being charged. Ben Roethlisberger was suspended 6 games in 2010 following sexual assault allegations with no criminal charges filed, according to The Times Leader.
Jameis Winston received a 3-game suspension in 2018 over an Uber driver incident that never produced a criminal conviction. In Diggs' case, the NFL chose to align its ruling with the jury's finding. The speed of the not guilty verdict — under 90 minutes — appears to have been a key factor in the league's decision, according to Herald Bulletin.
Diggs' Super Bowl Run Played Out Under Legal Cloud
The alleged altercation occurred December 2, 2025, just as the Patriots were building toward the playoffs. Formal charges were filed December 30, 2025. Diggs was arraigned February 13, 2026 — five days after playing in Super Bowl LX against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium, according to The Big Lead. He pleaded not guilty at arraignment.
The Patriots cut Diggs in March 2026, citing a large salary cap hit and failed contract restructuring talks. Diggs had been on a 3-year, $69 million deal, according to NFL.com. New England has since added A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs to fill the void at wide receiver.
Free Agent Market Opens Up for Cleared Veteran
With both legal and league hurdles cleared, Diggs is expected to sign quickly. Multiple teams were waiting for the NFL's formal ruling before making offers, according to Yahoo Sports. Potential landing spots include the Kansas City Chiefs, Washington Commanders, Atlanta Falcons, and Los Angeles Rams. Diggs could command a one-year deal worth around $10 million.
Diggs' 2025 season was his 7th career 1,000-yard campaign, per Associated Press. His attorney Mitchell Schuster said Diggs was "wrongly accused" and called the case "opportunistic targeting that players can face the moment they step off the field." At 32, the veteran receiver still has clear market value — and no NFL suspension standing in his way.
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