On May 5, 2026, Stefon Diggs walked out of a Dedham, Massachusetts courtroom a free man, after being acquitted of serious assault charges against his former personal chef, Jamila Adams. The trial lasted two days and the jury deliberated for less than two hours before reaching their verdict.
Before this moment, the narrative surrounding Diggs was ominous. Following an incident on December 2 at his home, where Adams alleged that he slapped and choked her during an argument, the court of public opinion had already begun to turn against him. The New England Patriots released him just months before the trial, despite his impressive performance in the previous season—he caught 85 passes for over 1,000 yards.
But everything changed in that courtroom. As the jury listened to testimonies and reviewed evidence, they were confronted with conflicting accounts. Adams had initially demanded $19,000 from Diggs before escalating to a claim for $5.5 million through her attorney. This raised eyebrows—was it a genuine allegation or an opportunistic ploy?
Key moments from the trial:
- The jury took less than two hours to deliberate after a two-day trial.
- Diggs faced one felony charge of strangulation and a misdemeanor assault charge.
- Adams testified but was described as argumentative and difficult by some observers.
In the aftermath of the verdict, reactions poured in. Andrew Kettlewell, Diggs’ attorney, stated emphatically: “There was no assault, no strangulation, no incident at all on that day or any other day.” Meanwhile, Mitch Schuster, an expert on domestic violence cases, expressed concern about how such claims can be weaponized: “Domestic violence is a very serious issue in this country, and it’s disconcerting when people use it as a sword and manufacture claims in an attempt to extract money.”
The case has reignited discussions about how athletes are often targeted in legal disputes—especially when fame and financial success are involved. Schuster noted that “fame and financial success shouldn’t strip someone of their presumption of innocence, but too often, it does exactly that.” This sentiment resonates deeply within the realm of celebrity trials.
As Diggs looks ahead—hoping for another shot in the NFL—his experience serves as a cautionary tale for athletes navigating their careers amidst potential legal pitfalls. While he may have emerged victorious in court, the shadows cast by these allegations linger long after the gavel falls.