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mike rees
Foxborough, Mass. , new England Patriots wide receiver stefon diggs told reporters on Friday that he would not discuss the charges against him stemming from an alleged incident earlier this month.
“It’s obviously an open case, so I can’t say anything about it,” Diggs said Friday in his first comments since the allegations became public.
Diggs, who called it a “very emotional time” and said he was “set back by some of the things that are going on”, said he would answer any football-related questions as the Patriots prepare for their regular season finale against them. miami dolphins On Sunday, which he did.
According to a police report, Diggs is facing aggravated strangulation and rape charges stemming from an alleged Dec. 2 incident in which a woman says the wide receiver entered her open bedroom and slapped her in the face after they discussed money he owed her. She had told the police that she was working as a private chef on the day of the incident.
Meanwhile, in his first public comments since facing misdemeanor charges of assault and battery on a household/family member related to an alleged incident on August 8, Defensive Behavior Christian Barmore Similarly deflected.
“I’m focused on Miami and playing football,” Barmore said, repeating those comments, or a variation of them, several times.
According to charging documents obtained by ABC, Barmore allegedly threw a woman to the floor and grabbed her shirt “in the neck area” during an argument.
Attorney David Meier, who is representing both players in their cases, issued a statement denying the allegations.
Both Diggs and Barmore are expected to play Sunday, with coach Mike Vrabel saying Wednesday that the Patriots take the allegations “very seriously and we will have another discussion as to what the outcome will be.”
“I don’t think we have to jump to any kind of conclusions right now,” Vrabel said. He said the team plans to continue the legal process.
In a statement, the Patriots said Diggs “informed the organization that he categorically denies the allegations.” As part of the statement, the Patriots said, “We support Stephen.”
Diggs’ arraignment is scheduled for Jan. 23, while Barmore’s for Feb. 3.
Diggs leads the Patriots with 82 receptions for 970 yards and has been an inspirational leader to players, who often talk to him before games and practices. He said Friday that he was “excited” and “locked in” for Sunday’s game, as he is every week, and believes the Patriots are focused.
“It’s hard to be a football team. You rally and rely on your brothers, you rely on your guys who you spend the most time with. For me, I’ve been working with them my whole life. Nothing new to me,” he said. “I just have to roll with the punches, try to stay as positive as I can. It’s definitely something you always have to adjust to, but I’m good for anything.”
