A controversial incident involving NFL star Stefon Diggs has sent shockwaves through the sports world, sparking debates among fans and analysts alike. A viral video showing Diggs on a boat, seemingly distributing a pink substance to women, has not only raised questions about his off-field behavior but also put his future with the New England Patriots in jeopardy. A loophole in his contract could provide the Patriots with an escape route, allowing them to terminate his deal without significant financial burden. Could this mark the end of the road for one of the NFL’s most talented players?
The Incident’s Background
Stefon Diggs, a four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver, signed a three-year, $69 million contract with the New England Patriots during the 2024 offseason. The deal included $26 million in guaranteed money, with a $12 million signing bonus split into three payments: $4 million already paid, $4 million due in October 2024, and $4 million in March 2025. However, a recently surfaced video has prompted the Patriots to reconsider their commitment to the 31-year-old star.
The video, recorded during Memorial Day weekend, shows Diggs on a boat holding a bag of an unidentified pink substance and handing it to a group of women. While there’s no clear evidence that the substance was illegal, such as drugs, the incident has sparked widespread criticism from fans and media. Many have questioned Diggs’ professionalism, especially as he continues to recover from a serious ACL injury sustained during the 2024 season with the Houston Texans. His absence from the Patriots’ voluntary Organized Team Activities (OTA) on Wednesday further fueled doubts about his commitment to the team.
Contract Loophole: A Way Out for the Patriots?
According to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, Diggs’ contract contains a critical clause that could allow the Patriots to walk away from their financial obligations if they choose to cut him. Specifically, the $26 million in guaranteed money, including the signing bonus, is contingent on Diggs passing a comprehensive physical examination, which includes an evaluation of his knee, still recovering from the ACL tear. This clause, outlined in section 26(a) of the contract, stipulates that Diggs will receive the $12 million signing bonus only if the team confirms he is physically fit to play.
Florio emphasized, “Until Diggs passes the full physical, he’s not guaranteed any of that money.” This means that if the Patriots’ medical staff, who have full authority to assess Diggs’ health, determine that his knee has not fully recovered, the team could terminate the contract without owing additional payments. This loophole provides a potential exit strategy, particularly in light of the criticism surrounding Diggs’ off-field behavior.
Additionally, the contract includes a clause in section 36, where Diggs agreed not to engage in any activities deemed “illegal, unlawful, or immoral.” If the pink substance in the video is proven to be a controlled substance, the Patriots could invoke this clause to cut Diggs without relying on health-related reasons. However, given the low likelihood of an NFL suspension and the difficulty of proving the substance was illegal, the health-based loophole appears to be the more viable option for the Patriots.
Reactions from the Patriots and NFL
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel addressed the incident during a press conference before Wednesday’s OTA session. He confirmed that the team was aware of the video and emphasized that the Patriots expect players to “make the right decisions on and off the field.” Vrabel declined to share details of his conversations with Diggs, stating, “Any discussions I have with Stefon will remain between him, me, and the team.”
The NFL, meanwhile, has not issued an official statement on the matter, with a league spokesperson declining to comment on the video. Diggs and his team have also remained silent, offering no explanation for the pink substance or his actions in the video. This silence has only heightened curiosity and speculation among fans, with some on social media suggesting the substance could be “tusi” or “pink cocaine,” a synthetic drug.
Stefon Diggs’ Uncertain Future
This incident raises not only questions about Diggs’ future with the Patriots but also broader concerns about his NFL career. Diggs, who recorded six consecutive 1,000-yard seasons from 2018 to 2023, is among the league’s elite wide receivers. However, his frequent team changes over the past three years—from the Minnesota Vikings to the Buffalo Bills, then the Houston Texans, and now the Patriots—coupled with his recent ACL injury, have raised doubts about his stability.
The Patriots signed Diggs hoping he would serve as the primary target for their young quarterback, Drake Maye, and lead their youthful receiving corps. However, the boat video and his absence from OTA have prompted the team to reassess. Scott Zolak, a former Patriots quarterback and current team broadcaster, noted that cutting Diggs is “being considered” and suggested that the decision isn’t solely tied to the video. Zolak hinted at other concerns, questioning, “Is he truly all-in with this team?”
Implications for the Patriots and Team Culture
This incident poses a significant challenge for the Patriots as they work to build a team culture under new head coach Mike Vrabel. The Patriots have long been known for their strict discipline and professional image. Diggs’ actions, while not yet proven to be illegal, have tarnished the team’s reputation. Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer commented, “The Patriots are trying to establish a certain culture and way of doing things, and incidents like this can undermine all of that effort.”
If the Patriots choose to retain Diggs, they will likely require him to take accountability, possibly through a public apology to the team. Conversely, cutting him could send a strong message about the team’s intolerance for controversial behavior but would mean losing one of their most talented players.
Conclusion
Stefon Diggs’ future with the New England Patriots hangs in the balance. The contract loophole, particularly the clause tied to his physical examination, offers the Patriots a chance to exit the deal without paying the bulk of the guaranteed money. The final decision will hinge on how Diggs addresses his actions, the credibility of his explanation, and the Patriots’ long-term strategy for building their roster.
This incident serves as a reminder that in the age of social media, athletes’ actions are under constant scrutiny. For Diggs, this is more than just a controversy over a video—it’s an opportunity to prove his value both on and off the field. Can he weather this storm and regain the trust of the Patriots and their fans, or will his career face new challenges? Only time will tell.