Will Stefon Diggs get suspended before his Patriots debut after the yacht video scandal?

Stefon Diggs' commitment to the New England Patriots is under scrutiny after a video surfaced showing him partying on a yacht during voluntary OTAs. This raises concerns about his recovery from a season-ending ACL tear and his role as a veteran leader for rookie quarterback Drake Maye. Coach Mike Vrabel addressed the situation, emphasizing the importance of presence.
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 silentWith 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.

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