FOXBOROUGH, MASS. — New England Patriots players Stefon Diggs and Christian Barmore spoke publicly to the media on Friday for the first time since news broke that both players are facing separate criminal charges.
Boston 25 News first reported Tuesday that wide receiver Stefon Diggs is facing assault and strangulation charges.
One day later, domestic assault charges against defensive tackle Christian Barmore were brought to light.
Diggs, who typically speaks with reporters on a weekly basis, had not been available to the media for the past two days.
On Thursday, he began his availability by apologizing for not addressing reporters earlier.
“Taken back by some things going on, but I wanted to be here to say, sorry I wasn’t available for those couple days. Different kind of time dealing with everything,” he said.
“It’s an open case so I cannot say anything about it. I will be open to any football questions you want to know,” Diggs continued.
Asked about what he brings to the team during the past week, Diggs said he’d continue to be the guy he’s been.
“Try to finish this season strong. Going in with the right mindset keep the same mindset. I’ve been a leader on this team. I’ve been the same person this whole time I don’t expect no changes from me,” Diggs said.
“Being a football team is hard. You band together you lean on your brothers you lean on the people you spend the most time with,” he said.
Barmore also avoided questions about the allegations, repeatedly saying his focus remains on football and the Patriots’ upcoming game against the Miami Dolphins.
“I’m focused on Miami. Playing football,” Barmore said.
When asked to give his version of events the day of the incident, he again replied, “In the practice? Playing football.”
The NFL told Boston 25 News that both Diggs and Barmore are eligible to play this weekend.
At this time, there is no indication that either player will miss any playoff games as the legal processes continue.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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