Latest news with #Diggs
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
NFL remains silent as Stefon Diggs' boat video with pink powder sparks major online controversy
NFL refuses to address viral video of Stefon Diggs (Imagn Images) The New England Patriots' offseason buzz took a dramatic turn after a video featuring veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs surfaced online, showing him on a boat surrounded by women and what appeared to be pink powder. While the video quickly made waves on social media, the response from the NFL and the Patriots organization has been more subdued—at least publicly. NFL declines to clarify controversial Stefon Diggs video Despite the speculation, the league appears to be treading carefully. NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy responded to Pro Football Talk's inquiry by saying the NFL 'will decline comment' on the matter. That silence is telling. The league's current substance abuse policy, significantly revamped in recent years, no longer calls for immediate suspensions over first-time incidents or appearances. Instead, the system emphasizes evaluation and rehabilitation, particularly in the form of the "Stage One" program. According to the policy, a player may be placed into the substance abuse program if his behavior 'exhibits physical, behavioral, or psychological signs or symptoms of misuse of Substances of Abuse.' Notably, this does not require a failed drug test. Should Diggs be placed in Stage One, he would be subject to increased testing and potential fines—but no suspension unless there are repeated violations. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like ตลาดหุ้นกำลังส่งสัญญาณว่าอยู่ในช่วงขาลง? IC Markets สมัคร Undo What makes this situation more ambiguous is the lack of public disclosure. Since placement in the program isn't usually announced unless a suspension occurs, it's quite possible that any league-mandated action regarding Diggs could remain confidential. That means fans, media, and even teammates might never know whether or not the video led to disciplinary review. This distraction arrives just as Patriots fans were beginning to get excited about what Diggs could bring to the offense. Signed to a three-year deal worth up to $69 million—with $26 million guaranteed—the former Bills and Texans star was expected to give New England a much-needed boost in their passing game. But the contract did come with risks: Diggs is nearing 32, recovering from a torn ACL, and carries a reputation for occasional locker room friction. Head coach Mike Vrabel didn't dodge the topic when asked about it. 'We all have to make great decisions on and off the field,' Vrabel told reporters, signaling a no-nonsense approach while remaining vague about any internal conversations. He also confirmed that Diggs was absent from the team's organized team activities (OTAs), though no direct connection to the video was made. Still, there's no hard evidence yet to suggest the team is reconsidering its investment. Whether the Patriots choose to discipline him internally remains to be seen. What's clear is that Vrabel expects accountability from his players and is handling the situation in-house—for now. As training camp nears, the focus may eventually return to football. But until then, all eyes are on how Diggs and the Patriots navigate the ripple effects of a 30-second boat video that's raised more questions than answers. Also Read: Taylor Swift just bought her masters back—Travis Kelce's reaction proves he's her biggest supporter yet
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
'A dead end': Insider claims Patriots could release Stefon Diggs immediately to void $25M guarantee
Stefon Diggs' future with the New England Patriots is uncertain (Image via AP) New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs may find his future with the team in jeopardy just months after signing a massive contract — all because of a viral yacht party clip featuring rapper Cardi B and what appeared to be a bag of pink powder. The footage, which lit up social media, raised serious questions about Diggs' conduct off the field, especially given his high-profile arrival in New England. He inked a three-year, $69 million deal with $25 million guaranteed in March, and expectations were high for the former Buffalo Bills star. But now, the Patriots may be rethinking their investment. NFL insider says Patriots could cut Diggs to protect guaranteed money NFL insider Albert Breer weighed in on the controversy during an appearance on 98.5 The Sports Hub, revealing that the Patriots could take immediate action depending on the explanation Diggs gave head coach Mike Vrabel. 'I think it's going to be hard for anybody, the league is going to look into this, and they're going to hit a dead end cause they're not going to be able to prove what was in the bag,' Breer said. 'So then, it's up to the team to make a decision. ' Breer also suggested that if the Patriots want to protect their financial interests, they would need to act swiftly. 'And if the team wants to recoup any of the guaranteed money, they have to cut him right away,' he explained. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trading CFD dengan Teknologi dan Kecepatan Lebih Baik IC Markets Mendaftar Undo 'Because you can't hold him on the roster for two weeks and then decide, 'OK, we're done with you then.'' Mike Vrabel sends a warning and keeps Diggs talks private Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel didn't address the video directly but made it clear that player behavior matters. Speaking after an OTA practice, Vrabel said, 'Obviously, we want to make great decisions on and off the field... the message will be the same for all of the players. Try to make great decisions.' When asked about his private discussions with Diggs, Vrabel was firm: 'Any conversations that I've had with Stefon will remain between him and I.' Also Read: Is Tyreek Hill the fastest NFL player? Showdown with Olympic champion Noah Lyles could prove it soon As speculation swirls, Diggs' absence from recent practices has only added fuel to the fire. Whether it was a warning, a suspension, or something more serious, his NFL future with the Patriots now hangs in the balance — and the pink powder mystery may be the tipping point.
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Will Stefon Diggs get suspended before his Patriots debut after the yacht video scandal?
Stefon Diggs' offseason antics have stirred controversy for the New England Patriots (Image via AP) In what should have been a focused offseason for the New England Patriots, new wide receiver Stefon Diggs has found himself at the center of a growing controversy. A video showing Diggs partying on a yacht instead of attending voluntary Organized Team Activities (OTAs) has ignited debate about his commitment to his new team—and raised questions about his recovery from a season-ending ACL tear in 2024. Patriots hopeful for Stefon Diggs' return, but controversy clouds progress After tearing his ACL in Week 8 last year while playing for the Houston Texans, Diggs' future in the league became uncertain. Though Houston had restructured his contract shortly after trading for him, the injury essentially ended his stint there. The Patriots, however, took a gamble—signing the former Pro Bowler to a three-year, $69 million deal, hoping he could become a reliable target for rookie quarterback Drake Maye under new head coach Mike Vrabel. Despite the injury, Diggs was brought in to be the team's No. 1 receiver—a veteran presence for a team entering a rebuild. But the optimism surrounding the signing has been tested in recent days. Earlier this week, a video surfaced of Diggs aboard a yacht, reportedly handing out a questionable substance. While OTAs are voluntary, the optics were far from ideal for a team trying to foster discipline and unity under a new regime. Mike Vrabel keeps it professional amid media storm Coach Vrabel addressed the issue without directly criticizing his player, telling the media: 'Any conversations that I've had with Stefon will remain between him and I and the club… the timelines, and the prognosis, we're working hard to get him back and be ready to go. When he's here, we'll coach him and have him ready to go.' Vrabel's comments were measured, but the underlying message was clear: presence matters, especially when expectations are high. The situation could escalate further. The NFL is expected to review the yacht video for possible violations of the league's substance policy. If any wrongdoing is confirmed, Diggs could face disciplinary action, including a fine or suspension. While he's never been suspended in the NFL, he did serve a one-game ban in college for 'touching an official in the face.' Also Read: 'A drug dealer': Stefon Diggs accused of handing out 'pink cocaine' on boat party with women as NFL stays silent With the Patriots set to kick off the 2025 season against the Raiders, all eyes will be on Diggs—not just for his performance, but for how he handles the scrutiny now shadowing his return.
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Former Vikings WR Stefon Diggs is not starting off well with new team in New England
When the Vikings traded Stefon Diggs to the Buffalo Bills, there was concern that they had cut bait too soon and would be lost offensively. The former Vikings wide receiver would go on to have a career year with the Bills, and the team would find a replacement in the NFL Draft by selecting a player out of LSU by the name of Justin Jefferson. It was a win-win for all parties and now the Vikings have seemingly made the right move in hindsight. As for Diggs, he has played for the Bills obviously but he has also been with the Texans and he recently signed with the Patriots. Advertisement Despite signing with the Patriots, Diggs, may already be burning bridges with his new team. The former Vikings wide receiver was absent from the team's OTAs this week. On the same day they started, a video surfaced of Diggs on a boat with a group of people with a substance visible that had people asking questions. His new head coach is the no-nonsense Mike Vrabel, and he spoke about the issue to the media and didn't mince words. While Diggs will always be remebered for the Minneapolis Miracle, he is also becoming memorable with his new team early on as well. This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Former Vikings WR Stefon Diggs isn't starting off well in New England
USA Today
10 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Former Vikings WR Stefon Diggs is not starting off well with new team in New England
Former Vikings WR Stefon Diggs is not starting off well with new team in New England When the Vikings traded Stefon Diggs to the Buffalo Bills, there was concern that they had cut bait too soon and would be lost offensively. The former Vikings wide receiver would go on to have a career year with the Bills, and the team would find a replacement in the NFL Draft by selecting a player out of LSU by the name of Justin Jefferson. It was a win-win for all parties and now the Vikings have seemingly made the right move in hindsight. As for Diggs, he has played for the Bills obviously but he has also been with the Texans and he recently signed with the Patriots. Despite signing with the Patriots, Diggs, may already be burning bridges with his new team. The former Vikings wide receiver was absent from the team's OTAs this week. On the same day they started, a video surfaced of Diggs on a boat with a group of people with a substance visible that had people asking questions. His new head coach is the no-nonsense Mike Vrabel, and he spoke about the issue to the media and didn't mince words. While Diggs will always be remebered for the Minneapolis Miracle, he is also becoming memorable with his new team early on as well.
