Patriots Coach Speaks Out for First Time Since Stefon Diggs, Christian Barmore Each Accused of Assault

NEED TO KNOW

• New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel addressed allegations made against his players Stefon Diggs and Christian Barmore during a press conference on Wednesday, Dec. 31

• "Every day there are distractions, some smaller than others," Vrabel said, adding that the allegations are "not disappointing at all"

• Barmore is accused of a misdemeanor domestic assault, while Diggs is accused of choking a female employee

New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel addressed the recent allegations made against his players Stefon Diggs and Christian Barmore for the first time on Wednesday, Dec. 31.

A day earlier, Diggs, 32, was accused of choking a female employee who claims he became upset after she insisted on being compensated for her past services as a private chef. Diggs is now facing a felony charge of strangulation and a misdemeanor charge of assault. His attorney told PEOPLE the NFL star denies the accusation.

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Then on Wednesday, Barmore, 26, was accused of assault and charged with misdemeanor domestic assault and battery on a family/household member, stemming from an Aug. 8 incident at his home in Mansfield, Mass.

Vrabel was asked during media availability on Wednesday about the allegations.

"These are allegations, like you mentioned in your question," he told a reporter. "It's two things that we have to handle. Every day there are distractions, some smaller than others."

Vrabel said the AFC East division champs are choosing to focus on the final game of the regular season, when they face the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, Jan. 4.

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"Those two individuals that you mentioned," he continued, referring to Diggs and Barmore, "will be able to handle the ongoing legal process."

The head coach said the Patriots "made a statement" regarding the allegations and have taken them "very seriously" since they were made known. "And what comes of that, I think we'll have another discussion," he said, adding that he doesn't want to "jump to any sort of conclusions right now and let the process take its toll."

Barmore was away from the team "with an illness today," Vrabel said when asked about his players' availability amid their legal troubles, but added, "I haven't heard anything that would keep either player from the game."

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Vrabel also revealed that the Patriots knew about the allegations, and did not specify whether he was referring to one or both players.

"We've been aware of these allegations," he said. "It's not like yesterday and today is the first that we've heard about them, and we've tried to do everything in accordance with the league policy and making sure that we're in compliance with the league."

The Patriots issued a statement after the allegations against Diggs were brought to light.

"Stefon has informed the organization that he categorically denies the allegations," the statement said. "We support Stefon. We will continue to gather information and will cooperate fully with the appropriate authorities and the NFL as necessary."

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Vrabel was asked what was meant by the statement's mention of "support" for Diggs during his presser.

"That everybody that we care about and that we have been close to for a while, that we support, and we do," Vrabel replied. "We understand that there's allegations, but we also want to support each and every player, and each and every coach, and each and every staff member."

Read the original article on People