On May 5, 2026, Stefon Diggs was acquitted of serious assault charges in Dedham, Massachusetts. The trial revealed conflicting accounts surrounding an alleged incident involving his former personal chef, Jamila Adams.
Before this verdict, there were significant concerns about Diggs’ future in the NFL. He had been released by the New England Patriots just two months earlier and faced serious allegations that could have tarnished his reputation.
The jury deliberated for roughly one hour after a two-day trial, ultimately delivering not guilty pleas on one felony charge of strangulation and a misdemeanor charge of assault and battery. Adams had claimed that during an argument over pay on December 2, 2025, Diggs choked and slapped her.
Diggs did not take the stand during the trial; instead, his attorneys argued that the alleged assault never happened and questioned Adams’ credibility. They pointed out that she initially sought $19,000 from him, which later escalated to a $5.5 million claim.
After the verdict, Mitchell Schuster, Diggs’ attorney, expressed relief, stating, “He is completely innocent of these false allegations.” Andrew Kettlewell, another member of his legal team, added that there was “not a single shred of credible evidence to support the prosecution’s case.”
This trial has not only impacted Diggs but also highlighted issues within professional sports regarding personal relationships and legal disputes. Jamila Adams had worked as Diggs’ live-in chef since July 2022.
Diggs has been a notable figure in the NFL for 11 years and is a four-time Pro Bowl selection. At 32 years old, he now faces uncertainty as a free agent looking to continue his football career.
Drew Virtue, an expert on sports law, remarked on the implications of this case: “When you put that all in consideration, her behavior does make sense.” This statement suggests deeper issues may lie beneath the surface of such high-profile disputes.
