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05/04 11:27 CDT Opening statements begin in assault trial of former Patriots receiver Stefon Diggs chef dispute Opening statements begin in assault trial of former Patriots receiver Stefon Diggs chef dispute By MICHAEL CASEY Associated Press DEDHAM, Mass. (AP) --- Opening statements have begun in the assault trial of Stefon Diggs, a former New England Patriots wide receiver accused of assaulting his private chef. The four-time Pro Bowl wideout has pleaded not guilty to a felony strangulation charge and a misdemeanor assault and battery charge stemming from the December incident. A jury was selected earlier Monday and received its instructions. Diggs declined to speak to reporters as he arrived at Norfolk County District Court in Dedham, a Boston suburb. According to court records, the chef told officers that she and Diggs had argued about money he owed her for work. During the Dec. 2 encounter at his home in Dedham, Massachusetts, she said, he "smacked her across the face" and then "tried to choke her using the crook of his elbow around her neck," leaving her feeling short of breath. She told officers she had trouble breathing and felt she could have blacked out. Diggs' attorney has said he "categorically denies these allegations," calling them unsubstantiated and motivated by a financial dispute. Diggs did not speak to reporters outside court in February. Diggs signed a three-year, $69 million contract with New England last year and was a key target for quarterback Drake Maye during the Patriots' AFC East title run. Before joining the Patriots, Diggs was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 2015 and played for the Buffalo Bills before a brief stint with the Houston Texans in 2024. Diggs' 1,000-yard season with the Patriots marked the seventh of his career. It helped complete a successful career revival after a season-ending knee injury derailed what turned out to be a one-year stay with the Houston Texans in 2024. Diggs, who led the team with 85 receptions and 1,013 yards receiving with four touchdowns in his only season with the Patriots, was released by the team in March. Diggs posted a goodbye on social media, thanking the Patriots for the season and saying: "We family forever." Diggs has yet to sign with another team.

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