Stefon Diggs is acquitted as the jury returns a not guilty verdict in the chef assault trial

NFL wide receiver exonerated of strangulation and assault charges following a short deliberation

On Tuesday, Stefon Diggs was acquitted of all charges, concluding a prominent assault trial that hinged on witness testimony, credibility, and the absence of physical evidence.

The verdict was reached after approximately 90 minutes of jury deliberation, concluding a case that charged the former New England Patriots wide receiver with assault and strangulation related to a 2025 incident involving his personal chef. Diggs has consistently refuted the allegations, asserting that the incident did not occur.

The allegations arose from statements given by Mila Adams, who recounted that a dispute regarding finances intensified into an altercation. On the stand, she told jurors, “He smacked me with an open hand,” and added, “he took his arm and came around my neck with the crook of his elbow.” Then he started to strangle me. Apply pressure to my neck.

The defense constructed its argument by highlighting inconsistencies and the lack of corroborating evidence. Diggs’ attorney stated, “There was no assault, no strangulation, no incident at all, on that day or any other day,” highlighting that there were no injuries, medical records, or contemporaneous reports to support the allegations.

Prosecutors recognized the difficulties associated with their primary witness, remarking, “Was Ms. Adams an ideal witness?” No, she was confrontational, evasive, challenging. However, does that imply you should disregard everything she expresses? Certainly not.

Ultimately, the jurors did not find the evidence convincing beyond a reasonable doubt.

Diggs exited the courthouse without speaking to reporters. His legal team chose not to provide further details at this time, while the not guilty verdict now absolves him of both the felony and misdemeanor charges that had been looming over his career.