Full Breakdown
Stefon Diggs Acquitted of Assault and Strangulation Charges
5/6/2026, 12:30:51 PM
Trial Outcome
A six-person jury in Dedham District Court found former New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs not guilty of felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault on May 5, 2026. The verdict followed a two-day trial that began May 4 and ended after roughly 90 minutes of deliberation. Diggs had been charged after a Dec 2, 2025 incident at his Dedham home where his former live-in chef Jamila “Mila” Adams alleged he slapped and choked her during a pay dispute.
Key Participants & Data
The case involved Stefon Diggs, a 32-year-old NFL wide receiver and free agent; Jamila “Mila” Adams, his former live-in chef paid $2,000 weekly; defense attorneys Mitch Schuster and Andrew Kettlewell; and prosecutor Drew Virtue. The six-member jury deliberated about 90 minutes. Potential sentences were up to five years for strangulation and 2½ years for assault. Adams’ financial demands were reported between $19,000 and $5.5 million.
Official Statements
Attorney Mitch Schuster said the allegations were taken seriously from day one and called the case “opportunistic targeting” of an athlete. Defense lawyer Andrew Kettlewell said prosecutors offered “no credible evidence” of an assault. The NFL said it continues to monitor the matter under its personal-conduct policy. The Patriots issued a statement supporting Diggs.
Opposition Viewpoint
Prosecutor Drew Virtue urged jurors to weigh Adams’ testimony despite her not being “a perfect witness,” emphasizing the alleged choking and pay-dispute context. The league’s personal-conduct review and possible civil litigation were noted as ongoing concerns.
Conflicting Details
Reports vary on Adams’ financial demands, citing $19,000, $100,000 and $5.5 million. Police records show no medical documentation of injuries, and Adams declined to answer questions about the demands. Some sources mention a prior sexual relationship; the defense disputes its relevance.
Significance
The acquittal removes the most serious criminal barrier to Diggs’ employment, but the NFL’s conduct review and potential civil suits could affect his free-agency prospects and endorsement deals. The case illustrates challenges athletes face when personal disputes become public legal battles.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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.” — Mitch Schuster, Diggs’ attorney
- “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.” — Mitch Schuster
- “Defense attorney Andrew Kettlewell said during closing arguments that prosecutors had not presented “a single shred of credible evidence” that an assault occurred.” — Andrew Kettlewell, defense counsel
- “We are very pleased and happy that Stefon will continue on and play football in the National Football League.” — Diggs’ lawyer
Next Steps
Diggs remains a free agent and may attract interest now that criminal liability is cleared. The NFL will finish its personal-conduct review, and Adams could pursue civil claims. Endorsement partners may revisit contracts with morality clauses.
