Patriots’ Diggs, Barmore refuses to answer questions about criminal charges

New England Patriots stars Stefon Diggs and Christian Barmore would not answer certain questions from reporters about criminal charges against them as they prepare for their final game of the season and the upcoming playoffs.

Diggs and Barmore faced reporters in the Patriots’ locker room Friday and refused to give any substantive answers when pressed about their legal troubles.

Diggs, who was accused of attacking a private chef during a dispute over money, said it was an “emotional time” for him, adding that he is “sorry that I wasn’t available for these few days. It’s a different kind of time.”

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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’s received from his teammates, Diggs replied, “Is it a football question? As far as football is concerned, I’m going to continue to be the guy I’ve been.”

Diggs repeated the phrase “Is that a football question?” when asked if he had been in contact with Barmore about the situations they are in.

“I’m not trying to be rude. I said that at the beginning,” Diggs continued.

Barmore, charged with domestic violence and battery after his girlfriend told police he had thrown her to the ground, told reporters several times: “I’m focused on Miami and playing football.”

Diggs allegedly strangled his female chef over money earlier this month. The woman told police that Diggs “threw her in the face,” that she tried to push him away, and that he “tried to choke her by using his elbow around her neck.”

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Barmore allegedly grabbed a woman’s phone while trying to leave his 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 floor,” according to authorities.

Barmore then allegedly grabbed the victim by the shirt near her neck. Barmore also allegedly told the victim that he wanted his cousin to “f— [her] up.”

The NFL has said both Diggs and Barmore are eligible to play Sunday against Miami Dolphins.

“There is no change in status for 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 Exemption List may be considered following formal charges in the form of a grand jury indictment, filing of charges by a prosecutor, or an indictment in criminal court.”

David Meier, one of Diggs’ attorneys, confirmed that the veteran NFL wide receiver categorically denies the claims made against him, adding that the dispute was between an employer and an employee.

“Stefon Diggs categorically denies these allegations. They are unsubstantiated, unsubstantiated, and were never investigated because they did not occur. 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. The Stefon Law looks forward to establishing justice.”

Barmore’s attorney released a statement saying, “We are confident that the evidence will show 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.”

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Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel was asked about the latest development.

“I would say it’s not disappointing at all. It’s allegations,” Vrabel said when asked how disappointing the “distractions” were ahead of the playoffs. “These are things we have to deal with and every day there are distractions. Some less than others. I’m confident we’ll focus on the Dolphins and the two people you mentioned will be able to handle the ongoing legal process.”