DEDHAM, MA — Stefon Diggs just put a huge off-field mess behind him. A jury in Massachusetts found the veteran NFL wide receiver not guilty on all counts after he faced charges over an alleged altercation with his former personal chef. The verdict came Tuesday afternoon at Norfolk County District Court, ending a tense, two-day trial that pretty much kept everyone glued to their phones. Not only does Diggs avoid a possible five-year prison sentence, but he finally gets to shift his focus back to football.
The jury needed less than 90 minutes to make up its mind pretty fast for any big case. Six people looked over everything and decided the prosecution’s story didn’t add up, tossing out accusations of felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault and battery.
Inside the courtroom, Diggs stood with his legal team as the clerk read the verdict. He kept it together, but you could see the relief ripple through his supporters in the gallery. Now, at 32, instead of worrying about jail time, Diggs can concentrate on what happens next in his career.
Deliberation Was Quick And That Says a Lot
Most trials like this drag on with endless debates, but Diggs’ jury zipped through the evidence and was done in about an hour and a half. That pace pretty much spelled doom for the prosecution’s argument. Judge Jeanmarie Carroll moved things along, too. After the defense finished Tuesday afternoon, closing arguments wrapped up in about half an hour. The jury went in around 3:05 p.m., came out at 4:30, and that was it: “not guilty.”
Diggs’ defense team said the case never had real proof. The incident supposedly happened at his home on December 2, but the details just didn’t stick.
The Heart of the Trial: Who to Believe?
Everything boiled down to conflicting stories. Jamila Adams Diggs’ former chef said a fight about her pay turned physical, with Diggs slapping and choking her. But the defense pointed out holes in her story no medical evidence, conflicting timelines, and missing text messages.
Here’s what really swung things:
– No Physical Evidence: Dedham police officer Kenneth Ellis said Adams looked upset when she reported the attack weeks later, but there were no photos or medical records showing injuries from December 2.
– Witnesses Disagree: Diggs’ staff testified that Adams seemed totally normal after the supposed incident. No signs of injury or distress.
– Deleted Texts: The defense revealed some messages had been deleted from Adams’s phone, arguing it made context around the pay dispute fuzzy.
– Complicated Relationship: Turns out Adams and Diggs had history beyond work, which muddied the waters.
The defense hammered home “reasonable doubt,” suggesting this was more about targeting Diggs than about actual criminal behavior.
“Wrongly Accused” Why the Defense Stuck to the Facts
Outside the courthouse, Diggs’ lawyer Mitch Schuster told reporters that the verdict capped a case built on facts, not drama. He said Diggs was the target of a false narrative, something that happens all too often with high-profile athletes. Diggs didn’t take the stand, a strategy that worked since the defense believed the prosecution never met the burden of proof. Seven witnesses painted a picture where the alleged violence just didn't fit.
NFL Career: Now What?
With the trial behind him, Diggs’ football future is wide open but maybe not totally smooth. He played the 2025 season with the New England Patriots, racked up over 1,000 yards, and helped them reach Super Bowl LX. Still, the Patriots released him after the season, making him a free agent.
Now, teams will likely come calling. Diggs brings elite skills and veteran leadership perfect for a squad aiming for a title. But the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy could still play a role. League spokesman Brian McCarthy said they’re doing their own review, and the league sometimes adds suspensions no matter what happens in the courtroom. Still, being found not guilty makes harsh penalties pretty unlikely.
Looking Forward —Rebuilding Reputation and Finding a Team
Diggs has to rebuild his brand, not just as a player, but as a public figure. At this stage in his career, it isn’t just about money; it’s about legacy. Analysts are already talking about possible landing spots: Detroit Lions, Kansas City Chiefs, maybe a return to an NFC contender. Now that the legal mess is over, Diggs can negotiate with teams without worrying about mid-season court drama.
Some Takeaways:
– Diggs is totally cleared, no felony, no misdemeanor convictions.
– The jury reached its decision in less than 90 minutes.
– The NFL is still reviewing things, but there’s no action yet.
– Diggs is a free agent, ready to sign for 2026.
End of a Chapter – Where Does Diggs Go From Here?
This whole ordeal showed just how much the legal “burden of proof” matters even under the glare of celebrity. Diggs walks away with his freedom and his shot at continuing a big NFL career.
With training camps around the corner, attention will shift from the Massachusetts courtroom to whichever NFL city Diggs lands in. For now, he can finally breathe easy. The chef case is closed; the only question left is which team he’ll suit up for next.




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