Patriots reportedly do not intend to chop Stefon Diggs amid video controversy
On the seventh day of the New England Patriots’ Organized Crew Actions, extensive receiver Stefon Diggs lastly made an look.
It’s normal for achieved veterans to attend till coaching camp to begin training with the crew, however Diggs’ presence at OTAs was notable and necessary for each the participant and the franchise after he turned topic to nationwide criticism final week when a video of him partying on a ship went viral and the Patriots needed to reply for it.
[Related: Mike Vrabel on Stefon Diggs boat video: ‘We want to make great decisions’]
Together with addressing Diggs’ off-field decision-making, the Patriots shut down any rumors that they’d reduce the receiver they simply acquired in free company, per NFL Community.
That report and Diggs’ attendance at OTAs are each good indicators.
The Patriots signed Diggs, a four-time Professional Bowler, to a three-year deal value $69 million ($26 million assured) in March, and would not need the time that went into that deal to go to waste. Since that deal, although, his offseason has been highlighted by NBA recreation appearances together with his girlfriend Cardi B and the boat video.
New England Patriots’ receiver Stefon Diggs and rapper Cardi B sitting courtside throughout an NBA playoff recreation in New York final month. (Getty Photographs)
Reporting to OTAs, although, adjustments the narrative. It exhibits that the Patriots and Diggs are on the identical web page about working to get him onto the sector — a course of that can have its share of obstacles and would not want any extra controversy getting in the way in which.
That is as a result of Diggs continues to be recovering from the ACL tear he sustained in Week 8 of final season whereas enjoying for his earlier crew, the Houston Texans. It is anticipated to maintain him out at the least by way of Week 4 of this season, per the Athletic.
Based mostly on the cash the Patriots invested in Diggs, he ought to be incentivized to prioritize and give attention to his rehabilitation. Whereas it might not have been final week, it is seemingly shifting in that path, and displaying up at OTAs is a transparent and constructive signal of that.
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