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Two members of the New England Patriots are eligible to play in what could be a top-seed clincher this weekend despite the heinous allegations against them earlier this week.
Stefon Diggs is said to have choked his female chef over money earlier this month. The woman told police that Diggs “slapped her in the face,” that she tried to push him away, and then “he tried to choke her by using the crook of his elbow around her neck.”
Just one day after the allegations against Diggs came to light, it was revealed that Christian Barmore had allegedly assaulted a woman he was in a relationship with in August.
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(Left) New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs (8) before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., Sept. 21, 2025. (Right) New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs (8) leaves the field after an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals Nov. 2, Ohio, Nov. 3, Ohio. 2025. (Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images; Peter Joneleit/AP Photo, File)
While the league and the Patriots wait for the legal process to play out, the league said both Diggs and Barmore are eligible to play Sunday against the 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 Exempt 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 a criminal court.”
Stefon Diggs of the New England Patriots warms up before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on October 5, 2025 in Orchard Park, New York. (Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
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Head coach Mike Vrabel brushed aside any potential “distractions” when asked if he was “disappointed” by the allegations.
“Well, I would say it’s not disappointing at all. I think those are allegations,” Vrabel said. “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 those two people…will be able to handle the ongoing legal process.
Barmore allegedly grabbed the victim’s phone while she was trying to leave his residence. 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.” 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.”
David Meier represents both players. Meier released the following statement after Diggs’ allegations came out:
“Stefon Diggs categorically denies these allegations. They are unsubstantiated, unverified and 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 to establish the truth in a court of law. Stefon looks forward to the law.”
When Barmore’s allegations became public knowledge Wednesday, Meier said, “We are confident that the evidence will show that no criminal conduct occurred. 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.”
Christian Barmore of the New England Patriots reacts during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on December 7, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Barmore has been charged with one count of assault and battery on a family/household member.
