A jury acquitted NFL wide receiver Stefon Diggs of assault charges on May 5, 2026, in Dedham, Massachusetts. The trial revealed the complexities surrounding his relationship with Jamila Adams, his former live-in chef.
The jury deliberated for approximately 90 minutes before reaching their verdict. The accusations stemmed from an incident on December 2, 2025, where Adams alleged that Diggs choked and slapped her. Initially, Adams did not press charges but changed her mind a week later.
Diggs pleaded not guilty to the strangulation and assault charges, and his defense argued there was no credible evidence to support Adams’ claims. According to a representative for Diggs, “No assault ever occurred.” This statement echoed throughout the courtroom as the defense sought to dismantle the prosecution’s narrative.
Adams testified that she earned about $2,000 per week for her work as Diggs’ chef. However, she later sought $19,000 in damages from him, which escalated to a demand of $5.5 million through her attorney. Diggs’ lawyer suggested that the case was an attempt to extract money from the athlete.
The trial also highlighted the personal impact on Diggs. His attorney Mitchell Shuster noted, “This has impacted him both personally and professionally.” The New England Patriots released Diggs in March 2026 amidst the ongoing legal struggles.
The jury’s questions during deliberation indicated their careful consideration of the legal definitions surrounding assault and battery. Judge Jeanmarie Carroll expressed gratitude for the jury’s serious approach: “The court is grateful for the seriousness and integrity with which you have carried out your responsibilities.” This underscores how vital jurors are in navigating such intricate cases.
While this chapter closes for Diggs, it raises broader questions about domestic violence allegations and their implications within professional sports. The outcome may influence how similar cases are viewed in the future.
