At a Glance
- Patriots 13-3, chasing AFC top seed
- Diggs faces strangulation and other charges; Barmore faces misdemeanor domestic assault
- Coach Vrabel says cases won’t distract the team
- Why it matters: Fans wonder how off-field drama affects playoff hopes
New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel said the legal troubles of receiver Stefon Diggs and defensive lineman Christian Barmore will not derail the team’s push for the AFC’s top seed.
Legal Drama and Team Focus
Vrabel told reporters that the allegations are “just allegations” and that the team will stay focused on the upcoming game against the Miami Dolphins.
Mike Vrabel stated:
> “I think these are allegations…Things that we have to handle. Every day there are distractions, some are smaller than others. I’m confident that we’ll focus on the Dolphins. And those two individuals will be able to handle the ongoing legal process.”
- Diggs is charged with strangulation and other criminal offenses linked to a dispute with his former private chef.
- Barmore faces a misdemeanor domestic assault and battery charge after his girlfriend said he threw her to the ground.
- Both players are eligible to play in the Patriots’ home game against the Dolphins.
Morgan Moses said:
> “They’re our brothers no matter what. And at the end of the day we’re focused on the Dolphins.”
Player Availability and NFL Review
Barmore was out of practice on Wednesday because of an illness, while Diggs did not speak with reporters but was present in the locker room before practice.
| Player | Games Played | Starts | Yards | Tackles | Sacks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stefon Diggs | 16 | 16 | 970 | – | – |
| Christian Barmore | 16 | 15 | – | 26 | 1 |
The NFL said both players are under review for the alleged incidents under its Personal Conduct Policy. If placed on the Commissioner Exempt List, they could be barred from practice and games.
Mike Vrabel added:
> “We’ve made a statement and we’ve taken the allegations very seriously. I don’t think we have to jump to any conclusions right now. Let the process take its toll.”
David Meier said:
> “Stefon categorically denies these allegations. They are unsubstantiated and uncorroborated.”
David Meier also represented Barmore, saying evidence would show no criminal conduct.
Key Takeaways
- Patriots sit at 13-3 and are poised for the AFC’s top seed.
- Diggs and Barmore face charges but are eligible to play.
- The team remains focused on the Dolphins, with coach Vrabel confident the legal matters won’t interfere.
The Patriots’ season continues amid legal scrutiny, but the team’s eyes remain on the playoffs.
