NFL wide receiver Stefon Diggs has been cleared of all criminal charges following a high-stakes trial in a Massachusetts courtroom. A jury returned a not guilty verdict on May 5, 2026, after deliberating for only 90 minutes.
The legal battle centered on allegations of felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault brought by Jamila Adams, a former live-in chef for the athlete. Adams alleged that a financial dispute at the player's residence in December 2025 escalated into physical violence.
During the proceedings, the defense team successfully challenged the credibility of the accusations. They pointed to a lack of medical documentation or photographic evidence to support the claims of physical injury.
The judge presiding over the case repeatedly admonished the accuser for failing to provide direct answers during cross-examination. Defense attorneys characterized the legal action as an opportunistic attempt to leverage the athlete's fame for financial gain.
Evidence presented during the trial revealed that the accuser's legal team had previously demanded a settlement of $5.5 million. Prosecutors acknowledged during the trial that the witness testimony presented significant inconsistencies that weakened the state's position.
Diggs appeared visibly emotional as the verdict was read in the Dedham District Court. The acquittal brings a definitive end to a legal saga that had cast a shadow over his professional career for several months.
The wide receiver, currently a free agent, faced the possibility of a five-year prison sentence had he been convicted of the felony charges. With the legal matter now resolved, he is expected to shift his focus back to his professional football career.
Legal experts noted that the swiftness of the jury's decision suggests a lack of compelling evidence provided by the prosecution. The case serves as a reminder of the complexities involved when high-profile athletes face serious criminal allegations in the public eye.
Diggs left the courthouse as a free man, effectively clearing his name of the serious accusations. The resolution of this case allows the veteran player to move forward without the burden of pending criminal litigation.