Stefon Diggs, newly signed wide receiver for the New England Patriots, stirred up quite a buzz over the Memorial Day weekend thanks to some viral videos from a yacht party that showcased the kind of revelry one might expect on a luxurious boat getaway. In these clips, Diggs was seen enjoying the festivities, surrounded by a lively crowd and even distributing a baggie with some mysterious contents.
Fast forward to Wednesday, and Diggs was noticeably absent from the Patriots’ organized team activities (OTAs) – a development that raised a few eyebrows. It’s important to note that OTAs are voluntary, and with mandatory minicamp on the horizon, Diggs’ absence isn’t a cause for immediate concern. After all, he’s an established veteran in the league and is currently in recovery from an ACL tear. However, considering he showed up for previous voluntary workouts, questions began to surface for head coach Mike Vrabel during media sessions.
One question, in particular, revolved around the viral videos and the “certain substance” that has sparked speculation. Vrabel addressed the situation with his characteristic poise, emphasizing the importance of making sound decisions both on and off the field. He stated, “It’s something that we’re aware of. And obviously we want to make great decisions on and off the field. And we’re hoping with our time here on the field today and that when we don’t have a script and we’re on the call periods that we’re making great decisions.”
Vrabel skillfully navigated the topic without diving into specifics, making it clear that his conversations with Diggs will remain confidential to maintain the integrity of the player-coach relationship. His delivery was sharp and effective, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to decision-making while keeping the details of the situation under wraps.
As for Diggs’ next appearance at practice, that remains uncertain. The wide receiver, who joined the Patriots on a three-year, $69 million deal with $26 million guaranteed, was brought in to enhance the team’s passing game, especially aiming to support second-year quarterback Drake Maye. Despite his recent recovery from a significant injury – he tore his ACL in October – reports had previously indicated that Diggs was impressing teammates with his comeback and performance during offseason workouts.
However, the recent developments paint a different picture, bringing to light that the transition may not be as seamless as once anticipated. With questions swirling around off-field behavior and the impact on team dynamics, all eyes will be on Stefon Diggs as he navigates his new chapter with the Patriots.
