Dave Portnoy Stands Up for Stefon Diggs Amid Assault Charges

Dave Portnoy, the Barstool Sports founder and devoted New England Patriots fan, is voicing his support for star receiver Stefon Diggs, who was arrested on assault charges. The accusations stem from an incident that occurred on December 2 at Diggs’ home in Massachusetts, where he allegedly assaulted his personal chef following a financial dispute. The charges include assault and battery, along with strangulation and suffocation.

While Diggs and his lawyer firmly deny these allegations, the Patriots have released a statement expressing their support for him during this challenging time.

Portnoy took to social media soon after the news broke, sharing his thoughts in nearly three minutes of video. “First of all, in this great country of ours, America, you’re innocent until proven guilty,” he emphasized multiple times throughout the clip. He reminisced about the Patriots’ positive role in unifying the country post-9/11, stating, “What team brought this country together and championed everything great about this country and won the first Super Bowl? The Patriots.” Portnoy also emphasized his belief in the principles of justice, including the idea that Diggs should be considered innocent until proven guilty.

In a somewhat contradictory move, he referenced the case of Aaron Hernandez, who, upon being accused of murder, was swiftly removed from the team. Portnoy stated, “The moment he was accused of murdering a bunch of people, before you could even say double murder, he was slashed and gone.” This remark reflects the complicated nature of public perception and team decisions concerning players in contentious situations.

Diggs, who recently signed a significant contract with the Patriots, has faced various controversies, including an incident earlier this year where he was photographed passing an unknown substance on a boat. Moreover, he had earlier dealt with a paternity suit and has recently been accused of sexual assault by an online influencer. Diggs refuted these claims through a defamation lawsuit.

Despite the surrounding controversies, Diggs has performed impressively for the Patriots this season, making 82 receptions for 970 yards and four touchdowns, which contributed to the team’s success in clinching the AFC East title.

Looking ahead, Diggs faces potential legal challenges as he is set to appear in court for arraignment on January 23, just days before the AFC Championship Game.