Just days before the Patriots take the field in the biggest game of the season, two of their key players are facing serious off-field allegations - and the timing couldn’t be more significant.
Wide receiver Stefon Diggs has been charged by Dedham police with felony strangulation or choking, tied to an incident involving his personal chef back on December 2. He’s also facing a misdemeanor assault and battery charge, reportedly stemming from a dispute over money. On the defensive side, lineman Christian Barmore is facing a misdemeanor charge of assault and battery on a household or family member, following an alleged incident in August in which he is accused of throwing the mother of his child to the floor.
Both cases are now in legal limbo - neither player will appear in court until after the Super Bowl.
From a football perspective, this is a jarring development. Diggs and Barmore are not just names on the roster - they’re impact players.
Diggs has been a go-to target in the passing game, a veteran presence with big-play ability. Barmore, meanwhile, has been a force on the defensive line, anchoring the interior with power and consistency.
Their presence on the field could be pivotal come game day, but off the field, these allegations cast a long shadow.
This situation puts the Patriots organization - and their fans - in a difficult spot. The team is preparing for the sport’s biggest stage, while two of its stars are facing troubling accusations.
It’s a reminder that the NFL, like any other league, doesn’t exist in a vacuum. What happens off the field matters.
And when it involves violence - especially allegations of violence against women - it demands attention.
The league has not issued any public disciplinary action at this time, and with the court dates delayed until after the Super Bowl, both players remain eligible to play. That decision, while procedurally standard, may not sit well with everyone - particularly as the league continues to face scrutiny over how it handles personal conduct issues.
This isn’t just about X’s and O’s. It’s about how we view our teams, our players, and the values we expect them to uphold.
For some fans, these allegations may change the way they feel about the Patriots as they chase another title. For others, the focus will remain squarely on football until the legal process plays out.
Either way, the spotlight is now on more than just the scoreboard.