Jury Selection Starts Monday in Diggs Assault Trial

Jury selection is set to begin Monday in Boston for the assault trial of former New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who faces felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault and battery charges stemming from an alleged dispute with his former private chef at his home in Dedham, Massachusetts, on December 2.

Diggs, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, pleaded not guilty to the charges during a February arraignment. According to court records, the chef reported that the confrontation arose over unpaid wages for her services. She told police that Diggs entered her bedroom, smacked her across the face and then wrapped the crook of his elbow around her neck from behind, leaving her short of breath and fearing she might black out. Police records state she pushed him away, after which he shoved her onto a bed and accused her of lying about the payment issue. The chef left the residence but returned days later to collect her belongings. At that time, she said, Diggs directed her to an assistant who conditioned payment on signing a nondisclosure agreement, which she refused.

Diggs' attorney has denied the allegations, describing them as unsubstantiated and driven by the financial...