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New England Patriots stars Stefon Diggs and Christian Barmore did not answer some questions from reporters about the criminal charges against them as they prepare for the final game of the season and the upcoming playoffs.
Diggs and Barmore met with reporters in the Patriots locker room Friday, refusing to give any substantive answers when pressed about their relationship. legal problems.
Diggs, who was accused of assaulting a private chef during a dispute over money, said it was an “emotional time” for him, adding that he was “sorry I was gone for those few days.” It's a different time.”
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“It's definitely an open case, so I can't even say anything about it,” Diggs said, adding that he would answer any football-related questions.
At one point, when asked about the support he received from his teammates, Diggs responded, “Is that a football question? About footballI’m going to continue to be the guy I was.”
Diggs repeated the phrase “Is this a football question?” when asked if he had communicated with Barmore regarding the situations they found themselves in.
“I try not to be rude. I said that at the beginning,” Diggs continued.
Barmore, accused of Domestic violence and beating after his girlfriend told police he threw her to the ground, told reporters several times, “I'm focused on Miami and playing football.”
Diggs presumably strangled his female chef over money earlier this month. The woman told police that Diggs “punched her in the face,” that she tried to push him away, and that he “tried to choke her by putting his arm around her neck.”
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Barmore allegedly grabbed the woman's phone as she tried to leave his house. According to authorities, the alleged victim then “intended to open the door and scream for help, but Christian grabbed her before she could and threw her to the floor.”
Barmore then allegedly grabbed the victim by the shirt near his neck. Barmore also allegedly told the victim that his cousin would “get fucked.” [her] up.”
The NFL said both Diggs and Barmore are eligible to play Sunday against the team. Miami Dolphins.
“The status of Diggs and Barmore will not change. Both are eligible to play at this time,” the league said in a statement. “Pursuant to the Personal Conduct Policy (attached), consideration for inclusion on the Commissioner's Exempt List may be considered following formal charges in the form of a grand jury indictment, an indictment by a prosecutor, or an indictment in criminal court.”
David Meyer, one of Diggs' attorneys of record, confirmed that the NFL veteran categorically denies the claims brought against him, adding that the dispute arose between an employer and an employee.
“Stefon Diggs categorically denies these allegations. They are unfounded, unconfirmed and were never investigated because they did not occur. The timing and motivation for the allegations are clear: they are the direct result of a financial dispute between the employee and the employer that was not resolved to the employee's satisfaction. Stephon hopes to establish the truth in court.”
Barmore's lawyer released a statement saying: “We are confident the evidence will establish there was no criminal conduct. Based on the facts and the law, we expect this personal matter will be resolved in the near future and both parties will move forward together.”
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New England Patriots cornerback Christian Barmore and wide receiver Stefon Diggs (Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images; Peter Yoneleit/AP Photo, File)
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel was asked about latest events.
“I would say it's not disappointing at all. It's an accusation,” Vrabel said when asked how disappointing the “distractions” leading up to the playoffs were. “These are things we have to deal with and there are distractions every day. Some are smaller than others. I'm confident that we will focus on the Dolphins and those two people you mentioned will be able to handle the current legal process.”
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