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New England Patriots stars Stefon Diggs and Christian Barmore did not respond to some questions from reporters about the criminal allegations against them as they prepare for their final game of the season and the upcoming playoffs.
Diggs and Barmore confronted reporters in the Patriots locker room Friday, refusing to give substantive answers when pressed about their legal issues.
Diggs, who was accused of attacking a private chef during an argument over money, said it was an “emotional moment” for him, adding that he was “sorry I wasn’t available for those few days. It’s a different kind of moment.”
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“It’s definitely an open case, so I can’t even say anything about it,” Diggs said, adding that he would answer any football-related questions.
At one point, when asked about the support he received from his teammates, Diggs responded, “Is it about football? As far as football goes, I’m going to continue to be the guy I’ve been.”
Diggs repeated the phrase “Is this about football?” when asked if he had been in contact with Barmore about the situations they found themselves in.
“I’m trying not to be rude. I said that at the beginning,” Diggs continued.
Barmore, charged with assault and battery after his girlfriend told police he threw her to the ground, repeatedly told reporters, “I’m focusing on Miami and playing football.”
Diggs would have strangled his boss over money earlier this month. The woman told police that Diggs “punched her in the face,” that she tried to push him away and that he “tried to strangle her using the crook of his elbow around her neck.”
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Barmore would have seized a woman’s phone as she tried to leave her home. The alleged victim then “intended to open the door and scream for help, but Christian grabbed her before she could and threw her to the ground,” according to authorities.
Barmore then allegedly grabbed the victim by the shirt near his neck. Barmore also allegedly told the victim that he would ask his cousin to “f— [her] up.”
The NFL said Diggs and Barmore were eligible to play Sunday against the Miami Dolphins.
“There is no change in the status of Diggs or Barmore. Both are eligible to play at this time,” the league said in a statement. “Pursuant to the Personal Conduct Policy (attached), consideration for placement on the Commissioner’s Exempt List may follow formal charges in the form of a grand jury indictment, the filing of charges by a prosecutor, or an indictment in criminal court. »
David Meier, one of the attorneys on file for Diggs, confirmed that the veteran NFL wide receiver categorically denies the claims against him, adding that the dispute was between an employer and an employee.
“Stefon Diggs categorically denies these allegations. They are unsubstantiated, uncorroborated and have never been investigated because they did not occur. The timing and motivation of the allegations are very clear: they are the direct result of a financial dispute between employee and employer that was not resolved to the employee’s satisfaction. Stefon looks forward to establishing the truth in court.”
Barmore’s attorney released a statement saying, “We are confident that the evidence will demonstrate that no criminal conduct occurred.” Based on facts and the law, we hope that this personal matter will be resolved in the near future and the two sides will move forward together.
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New England Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore and receiver Stefon Diggs (Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images; Peter Joneleit/AP Photo, file)
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel was asked about recent developments.
“I would say it’s not disappointing at all. They’re allegations,” Vrabel said when asked how disappointing the “distractions” were before the playoffs. “These are things we have to deal with, and every day there are distractions. Some are smaller than others. I’m sure we’re going to focus on the Dolphins, and the two people you mentioned will be able to handle the legal process at hand.”
