In a decisive legal victory, former New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs was acquitted Tuesday of all charges stemming from an alleged assault on his personal chef last December. The verdict, delivered after a two-day trial in Dedham District Court, clears the 32-year-old of both a felony strangulation charge and a misdemeanor assault and battery count.

The jury—comprised of five women and one man—reached their unanimous decision after just 90 minutes of deliberation. Throughout the proceedings, Diggs remained composed, showing no visible reaction as the verdict was read. However, moments later, the veteran receiver became emotional, wiping away tears as the weight of the outcome settled in.

Nine witnesses testified over the course of the trial, with closing arguments delivered Tuesday afternoon. The Norfolk County District Attorney's Office, which brought the case, issued a brief statement respecting the jury's verdict: "We are grateful to the jury for its service and the important role they play in the criminal justice system."

Outside the courthouse, Diggs' attorney, Mitchell Schuster, didn't hold back, criticizing the accuser for what he described as using domestic violence allegations as "a sword...in an attempt to extract money." Schuster emphasized that despite multiple attempts by the woman to reach a financial settlement before trial, Diggs was determined to clear his name in court.

"No assault ever occurred," Schuster stated firmly. "People should focus on real victims of domestic violence. Allegations like this do a tremendous disservice to those who are truly afflicted and impacted by such causes."

With the legal cloud now lifted, attention turns to Diggs' football future. The Patriots released him in June as a cost-saving measure, but Schuster expressed optimism that an NFL team will give the talented receiver another opportunity. "We were surprised the district attorney's office took this to trial," he added, suggesting the case should never have reached this point.

Diggs was quickly escorted from the courthouse into a waiting black SUV, declining to answer questions from reporters as he drove away—ready to focus on what's next, both on and off the field.