Patriots Receiver Stefon Diggs Misses Organized Team Activity After Controversial Video

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs was absent from Wednesday’s voluntary organized team activity, one day after a video emerged showing him on a boat with an unidentified pink substance, surrounded by three women.

Patriots coach Mike Vrabel addressed the media before practice and responded to questions about the video. “It’s something we’re aware of and obviously we want to make great decisions on and off the field,” Vrabel said. He added that conversations he has with Diggs will remain private.

Vrabel confirmed that he has been in contact with Diggs, as he has with all players on the roster. The NFL declined to comment on the situation. Diggs, 31, signed a three-year, $69 million contract with the Patriots in March. He continues to rehabilitate from a torn ACL he sustained in Week 8 of the previous season.

Diggs was present for at least one of the Patriots’ voluntary practices last week. “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 stated, noting that he faced six questions about Diggs during his media availability.

The Patriots are hoping Diggs will improve a receiving corps that ranked last in the NFL with 1,723 receiving yards in 2024. They also finished 28th in receptions (161), tied for 28th in touchdowns (10), and tied for last in first downs (78).

Diggs is expected to lead the depth chart alongside other new and returning players, including veteran free agents and younger talents like a third-round pick from 2025. The competition for roster spots is anticipated to be fierce among veterans and draftees.

Last season marked the end of Diggs’ streak of six consecutive 1,000-yard seasons due to his injury. Before the injury, he was ranked seventh in the NFL with 47 catches and was second on the Texans in receiving yards with 496. Notably, the Patriots have not had a 1,000-yard receiver since Julian Edelman in 2019.