Sawt Falasteen - Patriots star Diggs facing assault charges: reports

ESPN reported that Diggs has been charged with felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault and battery after an incident on December 2.

Multiple reports said the charges arose from a financial dispute between Diggs and his personal chef over payment.

Diggs, 32, strongly denied the allegations in a statement sent to AFP by his defense attorney David Meier.

"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."

The charges were filed during a court hearing in Dedham, Massachusetts.

The Patriots, who have enjoyed a resurgence this season to lead the AFC East with a 13-3 record, issued a statement in support of Diggs.

"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."

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

B.AbuZeid--SF-PST