Latest news with #Patriots
Time of India
3 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
3 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.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
5 standout Patriots players from second open OTAs practice
The New England Patriots held their second open OTAs practice on Wednesday, which served as an opportunity for media members to view the team's ongoing offseason work. It's important to take everything with a grain of salt at this point in the year. The players aren't practicing in pads, and they are easing their way into the mix before things ramp up over the summer at training camp. Advertisement OTAs are about establishing a foundation that the team can build on later. With that said, this is still a competition with everyone vying for a roster spot. So every rep matters on the football field, and the coaches are clearly viewing it as such. Here are the five Patriots players who stood out the most at the second open OTAs practice: WR Kyle Williams May 9, 2025; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Kyle Williams (18) runs with the ball during rookie camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images Kyle Williams' ability to separate on routes has stood out early, and it has made him one of the more intriguing rookie receivers in the league. He made the play of the day on Wednesday after making an adjustment to catch a ball over the shoulder against a defender. Advertisement It was a savvy play from a young receiver who could be in the mix right away for the Patriots' offense. The combination of Williams and Stefon Diggs could be a game-changer for the receiving corps. DT Milton Williams Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Milton Williams (93) celebrates on the podium after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The defense clearly has an advantage in this kind of setting. No one is wearing pads, and it's harder for the offensive line to hold off defenders without the same violence they'd be able to implement under full contact. However, Williams' power along the defensive front has been evident from the start. He can push a line backward and ruin a comfortable pocket. That was evident on Wednesday as Williams and company constantly muddied the pocket for the Patriots' quarterbacks. EDGE Keion White Dec 15, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Keion White (99) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Speaking of pushing the pocket, Keion White looked impressive coming off the edge. He's had some solid matchups against rookie left tackle Will Campbell right out of the gate. The Patriots are hoping he finds a way to live up to his full potential under Vrabel and defensive coordinator Terrell Williams. White has flashed the potential to be a dominant defensive playmaker in the league for years to come. Advertisement It certainly helps having reinforcements like Milton Williams and Christian Barmore in the mix, along with veteran Harold Landry III and rookies Joshua Farmer and Bradyn Swinson. RB Lan Larison May 9, 2025; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back Lans Larison (34) breaks a tackle during rookie camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images Undrafted rookie Lan Larison, who worked in with the top offensive unit last week, stood out for a second straight week. He hauled in the most receptions in team drills by catching 4-of-4 passes aimed in his direction. Some wondered if Larison would even make the team when he initially signed. Now, the question is whether he could potentially push veteran Antonio Gibson for the No. 3 running back spot in New England. LB Robert Spillane Mar 13, 2025; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Robert Spillane discusses his recent free agent addition to the Patriots with the media at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images Robert Spillane was all over the field at practice. He made it to the ball so quickly that some wondered if he might have known the offensive plays before the ball was snapped. That can happen when practicing against the same unit for multiple days. Granted, that still doesn't take away from the fact that Spillane is a playmaker. He was one of the more underrated signings in free agency, but his actual ability on the field might make it one of the best signings in 2025. Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook. This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: 5 standout Patriots players from second open OTAs practice
Time of India
7 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.
USA Today
7 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Julian Edelman sends message after seeing new-look Patriots practice
Julian Edelman sends message after seeing new-look Patriots practice Julian Edelman could barely contain his excitement levels after watching the new-look New England Patriots team practice for the first time on Friday. The three-time Super Bowl champion watched as the Patriots continued their offseason preparation for the 2025 NFL season. There have been significant changes since the last time Edelman visited a team practice. Mike Vrabel was hired as the new head coach, and he gutted the old coaching staff by bringing in new and more experienced faces. The team has also made major roster changes, including a massive spending spree in free agency to bring in multiple standout players, like Milton Williams, Stefon Diggs, Morgan Moses, Carlton Davis III and Robert Spillane. They are also believed to have had the best draft on paper with a total of 11 rookie prospects being selected. "Just got back to Foxborough, watched practice, watched coach Vrabes, watched all the new guys, watched all the old guys," said Edelman. "My excitement levels are literally through the roof. It's insane. We got hope, guys. We're all the same record, but we've got Vrabes. We've got the young buck, [Drake Maye]. We've got a bunch of whole new guys sprinkled in, and we've got some fun, foundational—let's go!" Vrabel's arrival, coinciding with the new roster talent and the second year of quarterback Drake Maye, has given Patriots fans newfound hope for the 2025 season. FOX Sports' Colin Cowherd even went as far as predicting New England to make the playoffs. Even if that prediction is a reach, there is no denying the fact that the Patriots are better positioned than they were a year ago. This time, it actually feels like they'll have a fighting chance. Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
