Stefon Diggs, 32, faces felony and misdemeanor charges over an alleged December 2 assault on a former chef, which he denies.

Stefon Diggs, a 32-year-old wide receiver for the New England Patriots, is accused of both felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault following an alleged altercation with a former private chef in Massachusetts on December 2. During a disagreement over unpaid wages, the woman who worked for Diggs claimed he slapped her and tried to choke her, making it difficult for her to breathe and making her feel dizzy. She finally filed charges on December 22 after first delaying doing so. Diggs has refuted the accusations, and his lawyers say they are unfounded and stem from a money dispute. The Patriots back him and promise to assist the NFL and law enforcement. A motion to seal the police report is still pending, and Diggs' arraignment is scheduled for January 23, two days before the AFC Championship Game.