Stefon Diggs, the former New England Patriots wide receiver and four-time Pro Bowler, has been found not guilty of assaulting his private chef following a highly publicized trial in Dedham, Massachusetts. The verdict, delivered on Tuesday, brings a close to a case that hinged on a disputed encounter at Diggs' home in December.
The charges stemmed from an alleged altercation on December 2, where Jamila Adams—known as Mila, a former live-in personal chef—claimed that Diggs slapped and choked her during an argument over payment and a planned trip to Miami. Diggs, who pleaded not guilty in February to felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault and battery charges, maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings.
Defense attorney Andrew Kettlewell argued that the accusations were unfounded, telling jurors that prosecutors failed to present "a single shred of credible evidence" that an assault occurred. The defense highlighted inconsistencies in Adams' story, noting that friends and employees testified she showed no signs of injury in the days following the alleged incident. They also pointed to financial demands Adams made, suggesting the dispute was about money and personal tensions rather than physical violence.
Assistant District Attorney Drew Virtue, however, urged the jury to carefully consider Adams' testimony, even acknowledging she was "argumentative, avoidant, difficult" and not a "perfect witness." He argued that her account deserved "the attention, the scrutiny, the weight it deserves," despite the defense's efforts to discredit her.
During the trial, Adams became emotional while recounting the alleged encounter, claiming Diggs entered her room after a text argument and "smacked me with an open hand" before wrapping his arm around her neck and choking her, leaving her struggling to breathe. She described their relationship as "complicated," noting it had been sexual in the past but was not at the time of the incident. Adams, who met Diggs on Instagram in 2022, said she lived in his home and prepared all his meals.
For Diggs, who has made headlines both on and off the field, this verdict allows him to move forward without the cloud of criminal charges. As a player known for his explosive talent and competitive edge, this legal chapter serves as a reminder of the challenges athletes face beyond the gridiron. Whether this affects his future in the NFL or his off-field ventures remains to be seen, but for now, Diggs can focus on what he does best: making plays.