Two New England Patriots players have been charged with assault in the last 36 hours.
Wide receiver Stefon Diggs is facing felony strangulation or suffocation charge as well as misdemeanor assault as of Dec. 30. Defensive lineman Christian Barmore is facing assault and battery charges as of Dec. 31.
Coach Mike Vrabel has the team at 13-3 and fighting for the No. 1 seed in the AFC in his first year in New England. He was asked today about the charges against Diggs and Barmore as the team prepares for Week 18.
‘We’ve been aware of these allegations,’ Vrabel said. ‘Yesterday and today isn’t the first that we’ve heard about them. [We] try to do everything in accordance with the league policy and making sure that the league, that we’re in compliance with the league.’
Vrabel shot down any fears that Diggs and Barmore’s legal proceedings would be a distraction for the other players.
‘I’m 50 years old, going to be 51, I’m not afraid,’ Vrabel said. ‘I love coaching this football team.’
The team put out a statement about both players and said the franchise is aware of reports regarding both Diggs and Barmore. The statements did not include comments because both are ‘ongoing legal matters,’ a stance Vrabel reiterated through much of his news conference today.
‘There’s ongoing legal matters,’ he said. ‘We’ve made a statement, we take these allegations seriously and what comes of that, then we’ll have another discussion. I don’t think we have to jump to any sort of conclusions right now and let the process take its toll.’
Vrabel said Barmore likely will not be at practice today due to an illness. As of today, he considers both players available to play against the Miami Dolphins in Week 18.
‘I haven’t heard anything that would keep either player from the game,’ Vrabel said. ‘The NFL hasn’t told me anything… I haven’t had a call with the NFL.’
New England is playing for the No. 1 seed in the AFC with one game to go in the regular season. They’ll face Miami at home on Sunday.
