Mike Vrabel shares updates on Stefon Diggs and Christian Barmore

Stefon Diggs and Christian Barmore Expected to Play Despite Legal Issues

Manager Mike Vrabel has acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding wide receiver Stefon Diggs and defensive lineman Christian Barmore. However, as of Wednesday, he is optimistic that both players will be available for the Patriots’ final regular-season game against the Dolphins.

“I haven’t heard anything that would prevent either player from participating,” Vrabel stated during a press conference.

Both Diggs and Barmore have been integral to the team, which boasts a 13-3 record and still has a chance at securing the top seed in the AFC. Yet, recent allegations against them have surfaced; accusations against Diggs emerged on Tuesday, followed by those against Barmore the next day.

The NFL confirmed to NFL Network that “there is no change in status…both are eligible to play at this time.”

When asked about his feelings on the matter, Vrabel remarked, “I’m not disappointed at all. These are just allegations… it’s something we have to manage. There are daily distractions, some more significant than others. I’m confident our focus will remain on the Dolphins, and the two players involved can handle the ongoing legal issues.”

Diggs, a 32-year-old wide receiver known for previous off-field controversies, is accused of physically assaulting a female employee over a financial disagreement at his home earlier this month, as noted in a police report.

Barmore, a second-round pick in his fifth year with the team, faces domestic violence charges relating to an incident on August 8 involving a woman he was dating. Court documents state that an argument over the air conditioning led to a physical confrontation, where he allegedly threw her to the floor as she attempted to seek help.

According to the reports, Diggs’ attorney has said that his client, who is set to face arraignment on January 23 for one felony count of strangulation and one misdemeanor count of assault, denies the allegations.

The Patriots have publicly acknowledged awareness of both incidents.

Barmore was absent from practice on Wednesday due to illness, as mentioned by Vrabel.

Vrabel commented on his familiarity with the allegations, stating, “Yesterday and today are not the first times we’ve encountered these issues. We followed league policy and ensured compliance.”