What happens next for Stefon Diggs? NFL rules on paid leave explained amid Patriots star’s legal trouble

Stefon Diggs woke up Tuesday as one of the New England Patriots’ most important offensive weapons and ended the day at the center of a serious legal storm. The star wide receiver now faces felony and misdemeanor charges that could ripple far beyond a courtroom. As the Patriots push toward the postseason, the situation has forced the NFL, the team, and fans to confront an uncomfortable question about accountability, timing, and league discipline.The allegations arrive at a delicate moment. Diggs has been productive, visible, and central to New England’s attack. Yet the gravity of the charges has shifted attention away from routes and receptions to policies and procedures. While Diggs strongly denies the accusations, the league’s next steps could shape both his season and the Patriots’ playoff hopes.Court documents cited by Boston 25 state that Diggs has been charged with felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery tied to an alleged December 2 incident. The charges were announced in Dedham District Court, with Diggs’ attorney, Michael DiStefano, appearing by phone. The alleged incident occurred one day after New England’s 33–15 Monday Night Football win over the New York Giants.DiStefano asked the court to seal the police report and noted that Diggs had made a financial offer to the alleged victim in an effort to resolve the matter. A judge is expected to decide whether details will be impounded ahead of Diggs’ January 23 arraignment. That date could be pushed to March to avoid overlap with the Patriots’ postseason schedule.Beyond the courtroom, the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy looms large. Under league rules, a player may be placed on the Commissioner Exempt List after formal criminal charges, during an ongoing investigation, or when alleged violent conduct requires preliminary review. The policy makes clear that placement on the list does not signal guilt. As the league itself states, such a move “Will not reflect a finding of guilt or innocence and will not be guided by the same legal standards that would apply in a criminal trial.”For now, the NFL is watching closely. “We are aware of the matter and have been in contact with the club. We have no further comment at this time,” the league said in a statement reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.The Patriots, meanwhile, are standing by their receiver. “The New England Patriots are aware of the accusations that have been made regarding Stefon Diggs. Stefon has informed the organization that he categorically denies the allegations. We support Stefon,” the team said. “We will continue to gather information and will cooperate fully with the appropriate authorities and the NFL as necessary.”Any change to Diggs’ availability would come from the league, not the team. That uncertainty hangs over a Patriots squad chasing a deep playoff run, with a decision that could prove pivotal both on and off the field.Also Read: Stefon Diggs posts Instagram memes about dating a “crazy latina” while facing assault and strangulation charges