Stefon Diggs Found Not Guilty of Felony Strangulation and Assault Charges in Massachusetts

Stefon Diggs walked out of a criminal court in Dedham, Massachusetts, late Tuesday afternoon after a judge found him not guilty of felony strangulation and assault and battery charges. The verdict ended a six-month case that damaged his image in public opinion.

Many who saw initial headlines about the allegations or looming trial missed the acquittal. His legal team, aware of the lasting impact, issued a statement through Mitch Schuster of Meister, Seelig & Schuster, which represented Diggs.

"We have taken these allegations seriously from Day One and that’s exactly why we were eager for the facts to come to light through the legal process," Schuster said. He added, "Fame and financial success shouldn't strip someone of their presumption of innocence, but too often, it does exactly that. And unfortunately, as is the case with unfounded claims -- the damage starts the moment an accusation is filed, long before any facts are examined."

Schuster continued, "Professional athletes have a target on their back. When someone sees a uniform and a contract, they see leverage; they see a settlement. And they’re counting on that pressure in the court of public opinion to drive a default decision to settle regardless of the facts of the matter. The evidence has shown what we've maintained from day one: Mr. Diggs was wrongly accused, and this case represents exactly the kind of opportunistic targeting that players can face the moment they step off the field."

Diggs's comments echo experiences of other athletes accused before trials. In 2006, three Duke University lacrosse players faced rape charges amid heavy public judgment. The accuser admitted fabricating the story in 2024.

Brian Banks served five years in prison after a 2002 rape and kidnapping conviction. His accuser admitted lying in a 2012 secret recording, leading to his exoneration.

Matt Araiza, San Diego State University's punter nicknamed "Punt God," faced gang rape allegations from an October 2021 party involving a 17-year-old girl. No criminal charges followed, but a civil suit prompted the Buffalo Bills to release him in August 2022.

San Diego cleared Araiza in an internal probe, and the district attorney found no basis for prosecution. The accuser dropped the suit in December 2023. Araiza signed with the Kansas City Chiefs in February 2024.

Athletes also face real guilt in some cases, where accusers deserve justice. Still, public opinion often convicts prematurely, a pattern this verdict highlights.