In a courtroom in Dedham, Massachusetts, the verdict came swiftly—just 90 minutes. That's all the time it took for a jury of five women and one man to hear the judge's instructions, review the evidence, and decide that Stefon Diggs was not guilty of felony strangulation or misdemeanor assault. The clock ticked, and the charges fell apart.
When the verdict was read at Norfolk County District Court on Tuesday, the 32-year-old former New England Patriots wide receiver didn't pump his fist or let out a sigh of relief. He didn't say a word. Instead, he stood there in his suit, still clutching a can of Red Bull, and wept. His mother was in the courtroom, just as she had been for both days of the trial. Outside, a small group of supporters cheered as Diggs and his mother were ushered into a waiting car. He still said nothing.
The accusation came from Jamila Adams, a 41-year-old personal chef who had been living in Diggs' Dedham home. She testified that on December 2, an argument over money escalated, and Diggs allegedly slapped and choked her. She paused on the stand, collecting herself as she described the incident.
But the case didn't just unravel—it collapsed almost immediately. Adams took no photos of any injuries and never sought medical treatment. Later that same day, she gave Diggs a birthday gift. Within a week, she was seen laughing and dancing with friends in Brooklyn. She texted Diggs on December 11 to apologize and tried to keep her job. The alleged assault wasn't reported until 14 days later, and only after she was fired and declined to sign a nondisclosure agreement.
When the defense asked if her attorney had demanded $5.5 million from Diggs, Adams said she didn't understand the question. Then, unprompted, she blurted out that Diggs had offered her $100,000 to recant. The judge quickly ordered the jury to disregard the statement, then warned Adams: "This is not an opportunity to speak freely."
For Diggs, the legal battle may be over, but the shadow of the accusation lingers. In the world of professional sports, reputations are fragile, and even a swift acquittal can't erase the damage done. As he walks away from the courthouse, the question remains: how long does it take to rebuild what was lost in an instant?