Leading into New Year’s Eve, accusations against two different starters for the Patriots (13-3) came to light, with charges against Stefon Diggs surfacing in Dedham District Court on Tuesday, and charges against Christian Barmore surfacing in Attleborough District Court on Wednesday.
On Friday, for the first time since charges came down on both players, Diggs and Barmore met with the media during the team’s open locker room session.
Unsurprisingly, neither player was interested in discussing their respective matter on almost any level - especially Barmore.
Here’s what each had to say, as it relates to their own specific situations:
STEFON DIGGS:
Stefon Diggs: “I’m sorry, I didn’t - it’s been a couple of days, I usually get to talk to you on Wednesday, but obviously it's a different time, very emotional time. Taken back by some things that's been going on. But I want to be here to say sorry I wasn't available for those couple days. You know, just a different kind of time, but dealing with everything. It's definitely an open case, so I can't be - I can't even say anything about it. I will be open to any football questions, anything you want to know. Don't want to be rude or disrupt anybody. So if anybody asks me a question that’s pertaining to it, I'm obviously just gonna give you a look, you know? Y'all kind of know me at this point. But, shoot.”
Question: “What kind of support have you had from your teammates? We saw you yesterday on the field breaking huddles, seems like you’re the leader out there, at this point, still.”
SD: “Is that a football question?”
Q: “Well, it’s not about any sort of crime, it’s just about how you lead and how your teammates support you.”
SD: “Oh, regarding football, I’m gonna continue to be the guy I’ve been. Trying to finish the season strong. It's definitely a good team on the other side of the road, in a good heat. But going in with the right mindset, I'm gonna keep the same mindset. I've been a leader on this team. I've been the same person this whole time. I don't expect no changes for me.”
Q: “How do you guys guard against distractions?”
SD: “Um, s*** - it’s kind of been a thing throughout the year. We all deal with life stuff, family stuff, or it's the worldly stuff. It's just - being a football team is hard. You band together, you lean on your brothers, you lean on your people that you spend the most time with. And you - for me, I've been dealing with s*** my whole life. Nothing new to me. So I just gotta roll with the punches, kind of stay as positive as I can. And it's definitely something you always gotta adjust to. But I’m good for whatever.”
Q: “Can you describe your focus right now?”
SD: “As far as like, football?”
Q: “Football and off the field. What’s your focus, in general?”
SD: “My focus is where it’s been at. Locked in.”
Q: “Where’s your head at going into this game?”
SD: “I'm excited. It's gonna be another cold day. Not too much inclement weather, they said it might snow. So never too excited for the snow. But I'm excited. I look forward to a great opportunity. It's a good football team. We gotta finish the season strong, especially if we want to go to where we wanna go, they ain’t away. They, for sure, not gonna make it easy on us or give us a day off, if you may. So I'm looking forward to it. I'm excited. I can't wait to get out there and get active.”
Q: “You talked about getting support from some of your teammates. Who are some of the guys that you’ve been leaning on, particularly over the last week or so?”
SD: “I ain’t lean on nobody I haven’t been leaning on, you know? As far as, like, support wise, it’s - you trust that your guys got your back in all instances. That’s it.”
Q: “Have you and Christian talked or texted?”
SD: “Christian is my close teammate. Talk about what, per se?”
Q: “Christian Barmore - you and he both dealing with some stuff off the field. I mean, have you talked?”
SD: “Is that a football question? I try not to be rude. I said it in the beginning.”
CHRISTIAN BARMORE:
Question: “In the statement your lawyer released, he did not categorically deny what you're accused of. Would you like a chance now to deny what you're accused of?”
Christian Barmore: “I’m focused on Miami. Playing football.”
Q: “What were your version of events that day?”
CB: “I’m focused on Miami. Playing football.”
Q: “What sort of conversations have you had with your teammates about what’s going on?”
CB: “We’re focused on Miami, and to play football.”
Q: “How are you staying dialed in for Sunday? What are you doing this week, specifically?”
CB: “Going to practice and playing football.”
Q: “How does it feel to back in this position again - you were here a couple years ago.”
CB: “It’s a blessing from God. Thank God for it every day. And my coaches, my medical team, everybody.”
Q: “We talked to Stef a little bit about - and I know your situations are different - but we talked to Stef about avoiding distractions. How do you think this team has done when it comes to avoiding distractions this year?”
CB: “We’re all focused on Miami. The next opponent.”
Q: “Have you ever threatened to have your cousin beat someone up?”
CB: “We’re focused on Miami, and playing football.”
Q: “Anything you want to say to your fans?”
CB: “Yeah, we’re focused on football, playing Miami.”
Q: “How are you doing mentally?”
CB: “Getting ready for Miami, to play football.”
Both Diggs and Barmore are expected to be active on Sunday, as neither player was listed by head coach Mike Vrabel as out or questionable when he addressed the media after Friday’s practice.
Stay locked in to WEEI and WEEI.com for all the latest on both legal situations as they develop in the coming weeks.