The New England Patriots’ offseason was already brimming with intrigue as the team enters a new era under head coach Mike Vrabel. But this week, the spotlight shifted dramatically—and unexpectedly—to wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who’s making headlines for reasons far removed from the football field.
A viral video showing Diggs at a Miami yacht party sent social media and sports talk radio into overdrive. In the video, the Pro Bowl receiver appears to be partying with several bikini-clad women, openly flirting and telling them to call him “Daddy.” Most notably, the clip also shows Diggs appearing to handle an unidentified substance, prompting speculation and concern.
Making the story even juicier, Cardi B, the chart-topping rapper known for her unfiltered persona and massive social following, was also spotted at the yacht party—and later sitting next to Diggs court-side at Game Four of the Knicks-Celtics playoff series. The sighting fueled rumors of a potential romantic link between the two, though neither has publicly confirmed the nature of their relationship.
While the internet buzzed, Diggs was noticeably absent from the Patriots’ voluntary Organized Team Activities (OTAs) on Wednesday. That left head coach Mike Vrabel facing a barrage of questions during his press conference, most of which he danced around with deliberate ambiguity.
“It’s something that we’re aware of and obviously we want to make great decisions on and off the field,” Vrabel said, carefully choosing his words. “We’re trying to build a culture where that matters—everywhere, not just between the lines.”
Pressed further on whether he had spoken to Diggs directly about the video, Vrabel remained vague. “I talk to our players every day, the ones who are here and the ones who aren’t,” he said. “Any conversations I’ve had with Stefon will remain between him and me in the club.”
When asked whether Diggs would be on the field for Wednesday’s session, Vrabel offered a quip that walked the line between honesty and humor: “Not if he’s not here.” Naturally, that only prompted more questions, to which Vrabel replied, “You guys will find out in a minute.”
Though OTAs are voluntary, the timing of Diggs’ absence—and the nature of the video—puts the Patriots in a delicate position. On one hand, Diggs hasn’t violated any rules by missing practice. On the other, his behavior off the field and the media circus surrounding it could become a distraction for a team trying to reset its identity.
Diggs, acquired in a high-profile trade earlier this offseason, was expected to be a cornerstone of the Patriots’ new-look offense. His on-field talent is undeniable, but his history of volatile behavior in Buffalo and now this latest incident in Miami raise fair questions about his focus.
For now, Vrabel and the Patriots seem content to handle the situation internally. Vrabel emphasized that all players not present at OTAs were in contact with their coaches. “This is voluntary,” he repeated. “We’ll coach the guys that show up and work with those who communicate with us.”
Still, in a league where perception often becomes reality, the Patriots know the optics here aren’t great. The offseason is supposed to be a time to build chemistry—not dominate headlines with TMZ-level drama. Whether this was a brief offseason misstep or a sign of deeper issues remains to be seen.
One thing’s certain: The pressure is now on Stefon Diggs—not just to show up, but to show that he’s ready to be more than just a headline.