Stefon Diggs Returns to Patriots Amid Mystery Substance Scandal Controversy

Stefon Diggs Returns to Patriots Practice Amid Mystery Substance Scandal
By Jake Nisse and Daniel Matthews | Updated: 18:19 BST, 2 June 2025

[Image 1: Stefon Diggs at Patriots practice, smiling in uniform]
Caption: Diggs attended OTAs on Tuesday, marking his return after a controversial week.

New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs rejoined team activities Tuesday following viral footage of him partying with bikini-clad women and handling an unmarked plastic bag over Memorial Day weekend. The incident sparked speculation about his future with the team, which signed him to a three-year, $69 million contract in March ($25 million guaranteed).

The Viral Video Fallout
The now-deleted video showed Diggs surrounded by women on a boat, playfully asking, “What’s my name?” while holding a small bag containing an unknown substance. At least two women referred to him as “daddy,” as rapper girlfriend Cardi B watched nearby. Sources claim she was furious over his flirtatious behavior, though the couple later appeared together in a since-deleted Instagram post.

[Image 2: Screenshot from the boat video showing Diggs with the women]
Caption: Diggs was filmed socializing with women, prompting scrutiny over the bag’s contents.

Team Response and Potential Consequences
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel stressed the importance of players making “great decisions” during a press conference last week. Diggs skipped a voluntary practice amid the controversy, fueling rumors of disciplinary action. NFL analyst Albert Breer (Sports Illustrated) suggested the Patriots could release Diggs to avoid paying his guaranteed money if they doubt his explanation. However, the team’s ability to penalize him hinges on proving the bag contained an illicit substance—a difficult task without physical evidence.

Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels downplayed Diggs’ absence, calling OTAs “voluntary” but expressing relief at his return. “We’re excited to work with the guys here,” he stated.

Cardi B’s Reaction
An insider revealed Cardi B was “seething” over the incident, particularly Diggs’ interaction with the women. “She wishes he wouldn’t flirt back,” the source said. Despite the tension, the couple later shared affectionate social media posts, including a clip of Cardi dancing on Diggs.

[Image 3: Diggs and Cardi B at a Knicks-Celtics game earlier in May]
Caption: The pair appeared together publicly just weeks before the boat incident.

What’s Next for Diggs?
The four-time Pro Bowler, acquired from the Houston Texans, is expected to be a key weapon for rookie quarterback Drake Maye. His Tuesday practice presence signals a tentative truce with the Patriots, though the organization may still evaluate his conduct.

[Image 4: Diggs in a Texans uniform making a catch]
Caption: The Patriots hope Diggs’ on-field prowess outweighs off-field distractions.

As the team prepares for the 2025 season, all eyes remain on how Diggs navigates this controversy—and whether his high-profile romance and lifestyle clash with New England’s demands.

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