Patriots WR Stefon Diggs faces charges of strangulation, assault

Dec. 30 (UPI) -- New England Patriots star Stefon Diggs faces charges of felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery, Massachusetts court records show.

Details from the incident were not immediately available, but Diggs denied the allegations through statements from his lawyers and the Patriots.

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"The New England Patriots are aware of the accusations that have been made regarding Stefon Diggs," the Patriots said. "Stefon has informed the organization that he categorically denies the allegations. We support Stefon. We will continue to gather information and will cooperate fully with the appropriate authorities and the NFL as necessary.

"Out of respect for all parties involved, and given that this is an ongoing legal matter, we will have no further comment at this time."

Diggs' attorneys made a remote appearance at a motion hearing Tuesday in Dedham District Court. Court records show an arraignment scheduled for Jan. 23, two days before the AFC Championship game.

"We are aware of the matter and have been in contact with the club," the NFL said in a statement. "We have no further comment at this time."

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Records show the alleged offense occurred on Dec. 2. Judge Jeanmarie Carroll is considering whether or not to allow public access to the police report associated with the incident.

Diggs attorney David Meier told UPI that the allegations are "unsubstantiated, uncorroborated, and were never investigated -- because they did not occur."

" Stefon Diggs categorically denies these allegations," Meier said. "They are unsubstantiated, uncorroborated, 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. Stefon looks forward to establishing the truth in a court of law."

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Diggs, 32, signed a three-year, $69 million contract with the Patriots in March. The four-time Pro Bowl selection, who welcomed a baby boy with girlfriend and rapper Cardi B in November, leads the Patriots with 82 catches and 970 receiving yards.

The Patriots (13-3) already clinched the AFC East division title, but remain in contention for the AFC's top seed and a first-round bye in the playoffs.

They will host the Miami Dolphins (7-9) at 4:25 p.m. EST Sunday in Foxborough, Mass.