The New England Patriots have found themselves at the center of controversy following a viral video involving their newly signed wide receiver, Stefon Diggs. The video, which surfaced on social media over the Memorial Day weekend, shows Diggs on a yacht in Miami, surrounded by women, including rapper Cardi B, with whom he has been romantically linked. In the footage, Diggs is seen handling a clear bag containing an unidentified pink substance, sparking widespread speculation and concern among fans and analysts alike.
The Viral Video and Immediate Fallout
The video, widely circulated on platforms like X, depicts Diggs in a party setting, engaging with several women and handling the mysterious substance. This incident has raised eyebrows, particularly given Diggs’ status as a key offseason acquisition for the Patriots, who signed him to a three-year, $69 million contract in March 2025. The timing is especially sensitive as Diggs is currently rehabilitating a torn ACL sustained during his brief stint with the Houston Texans in 2024, and his absence from voluntary Organized Team Activities (OTAs) on May 28, 2025, only fueled further speculation.
NFL star Stefon Diggs got the girls calling him daddy as he enjoy his time on a yacht in Miami with Cardi B. pic.twitter.com/JgHF7FUxpV
— VideoMixtape.com (@VideoMixtape_) May 27, 2025
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel addressed the situation during a press conference prior to Wednesday’s OTA session, stating, “It’s something that we’re aware of. Obviously, we want to make great decisions on and off the field. Any conversations that I’ve had with Stefon will remain between him, I, and the club.” Vrabel emphasized the importance of making “great decisions” but refrained from disclosing specifics about the team’s response or any discussions with Diggs. His comments underscored the Patriots’ intent to handle the matter internally while maintaining a focus on establishing a strong team culture under his leadership.
Patriots’ Official Statement
In a surprising development, the Patriots issued a formal statement on May 30, 2025, addressing the controversy directly. The statement, released through the team’s official website, reads:
The New England Patriots are aware of the recent video involving Stefon Diggs. We hold our players to the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, both on and off the field. This matter is being addressed internally, and we will take appropriate measures based on our findings. Our focus remains on building a winning culture and preparing for the 2025 season.
This statement has been described as shocking due to its direct acknowledgment of the incident and its firm tone, signaling that the team views the situation as a serious matter. The Patriots’ decision to publicly address the video, rather than solely handling it behind closed doors, suggests the organization’s intent to reinforce accountability as they work to rebuild under Vrabel’s guidance.
Context and Implications for Diggs
Stefon Diggs, a four-time Pro Bowler and one of the NFL’s premier wide receivers, was brought to New England to serve as the primary target for second-year quarterback Drake Maye. With six consecutive 1,000-yard seasons from 2018 to 2023, Diggs was expected to address the Patriots’ longstanding need for a top-tier receiver, a void left unfilled since Julian Edelman’s 1,000-yard season in 2019. However, his off-field behavior, as captured in the viral video, has cast doubt on his role as a leader in a young receiver room that includes players like DeMario Douglas, Ja’Lynn Polk, and Kendrick Bourne.
NFL insider Albert Breer, speaking on 98.5 The Sports Hub, suggested that the Patriots’ response hinges on Diggs’ explanation of the incident. “If Mike [Vrabel] thinks he is lying to him, I just wouldn’t doubt Mike having the stomach to cut him,” Breer noted. While Breer clarified that cutting Diggs is not highly likely, Vrabel’s reputation as a no-nonsense coach and former player with nearly 30 years of NFL experience means that trust and credibility are paramount. If Diggs’ account of the situation fails to satisfy Vrabel, the team could consider drastic measures, including releasing him before he plays a single game for New England.
The Bigger Picture: Culture and Expectations
The Patriots are in the midst of a cultural overhaul following a challenging 2024 season, where they ranked among the NFL’s lowest-scoring offenses. Vrabel, who replaced Jerod Mayo as head coach, has prioritized establishing a disciplined, accountable environment. The Diggs incident poses a potential challenge to this goal, as Breer noted: “The point is, they’re trying to establish a culture and the way you do things, and this sort of thing can undermine all of that.”
Diggs’ absence from Wednesday’s OTA session, though voluntary, added to the scrutiny. Vrabel downplayed the absence, noting that Diggs has been in communication with the team and is progressing in his ACL recovery. “The timelines and the prognosis, we’re working hard to get him back and be ready to go,” Vrabel said. Reports indicate Diggs is ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation, with expectations that he will be ready for Week 1 of the 2025 season. However, the off-field incident has shifted the narrative, raising questions about his commitment and decision-making.
Fan and Media Reactions
The video has sparked varied reactions on social media, particularly on X, where some fans expressed disappointment, while others defended Diggs’ right to personal freedom. One post on X stated, “Diggs is a grown ass man and your article sounds more like jealousy,” reflecting a sentiment that the media may be overreacting to the incident. Conversely, others criticized Diggs for potentially jeopardizing the team’s efforts to rebuild, with one user commenting, “Being caught on a boat with an unidentified substance … That’s not nothing. That’s something that draws negative attention to the team.”
The presence of Cardi B in the video has also drawn attention, with some outlets speculating about Diggs’ personal life. The couple’s public appearances, including a recent courtside sighting at a New York Knicks game, have fueled tabloid-style coverage, adding another layer of complexity to the story.
What’s Next for Diggs and the Patriots?
The Patriots’ statement indicates that the team is still gathering information and will determine next steps based on their internal investigation. While cutting Diggs remains a possibility, it would be a drastic move given his talent and the team’s need for offensive firepower. Diggs’ ability to regain the trust of Vrabel and the organization will likely be critical to his future in New England.
As the Patriots prepare for mandatory minicamp and the 2025 season, all eyes will be on how Diggs responds both on and off the field. His recovery from the ACL injury, combined with his ability to navigate this controversy, will determine whether he can fulfill his role as the team’s top receiver and a mentor to younger players.
For now, the Patriots are standing firm in their commitment to accountability, sending a clear message that no player is above the team’s standards. As the situation unfolds, the outcome of this incident could have significant implications for Diggs’ tenure with the Patriots and the team’s broader efforts to return to contention.