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Stefon Diggs' arrival to the New England Patriots was one of the most talked-about moves of the NFL offseason. The franchise signed the veteran wide receiver to a three-year, $69 million contract, expecting him to become the primary target for rookie quarterback Drake Maye. However, Diggs has made headlines for the wrong reasons before even stepping on the field.
Over Memorial Day weekend, Diggs was seen partying on a yacht in a video that quickly went viral on social media. The footage shows a woman displaying an unidentified pink substance in a bag, which sparked widespread speculation and criticism. While there's no confirmation of illegal activity, the optics and timing of the video were far from ideal.
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel didn't hide his disappointment when asked about the situation.
"It's something we're aware of," he said. "We obviously want to make great decisions on and off the field. Any conversation I've had with Stefon will remain between him, myself, and the club."
Fan backlash and media deflection
On Tuesday, Diggs attended the team's mandatory minicamp and faced the media. However, he dodged most questions about the incident.
"I want to be as honest as possible, but I kind of have a thing where I don't talk about my personal life with people I don't know personally," Diggs told reporters. He confirmed having spoken with Vrabel and others in the organization, adding, "Everything else is internal."
Despite maintaining a respectful tone, many fans felt Diggs should've taken more ability.
"He put his personal life out there for everyone to see," one fan wrote on X. Another added, "As an athlete, you have to know you're always in the public eye." Some even questioned the team's decision: "The Patriots are going to regret this g."
This backlash has reignited concerns about Diggs' maturity and professionalism, especially given his turbulent exit from the Buffalo Bills. For critics, this is another sign of a supremely talented player with a history of locker room distractions.
Can Stefon Diggs change the narrative in Foxborough?
Despite the controversy, Stefon Diggs will have a chance to prove himself on the field this fall. As the leading receiver in a young, rebuilding offense, he'll play a pivotal role in helping the Patriots return to relevance in the AFC East.
For now, Diggs appears focused on earning the trust of his coaches and teammates during minicamp. The big question is whether he can reshape public perception before the regular season kicks off.
The next few months will be critical in determining whether this high-profile acquisition turns into a success-or a costly misstep. In the NFL, the only thing that truly matters is performance on the field.