New England Patriots defensive star Christian Barmore has been formally charged with domestic assault, according to a new report, marking the second Patriots player to face serious violence allegations in a matter of days.
Details of the Alleged Assault
Court documents from the Attleborough District Court, obtained by WCVB, reveal that Barmore, aged 26, is charged with assault and battery on a family or household member. The charges stem from an incident alleged to have occurred on August 8 in Mansfield, Massachusetts.
The unnamed victim, who stated she was in a relationship with the NFL player, told authorities the altercation began over the temperature of his bedroom and an argument about food. According to the documents, when she tried to flee, Barmore allegedly took her phone. The victim claimed she intended to open the door to scream for help, but Barmore grabbed her and threw her to the floor.
She further alleged that as she attempted to get up, Barmore grabbed her shirt in the area of her neck. The incident reportedly occurred in the presence of the couple's two-year-old child. The victim stated she sustained bruises and later used a car service to travel with her child to Delaware.
Legal Proceedings and Team Response
The victim filed charges in September after initial hesitation due to fear of retaliation. She later emailed police in early December to say she did not wish to proceed, but a complaint was officially issued on December 16. Barmore's arraignment is scheduled for February 3, a date that falls just five days before the 2026 Super Bowl in California.
Barmore's attorney, David Meier, issued a strong statement in defence of his client: "We are confident that the evidence will demonstrate that no criminal conduct took place. Based on the facts and the law, we expect that this personal matter will be resolved in the near future and both parties will move forward together."
The New England Patriots organisation confirmed it is aware of the reports and the pending arraignment. In a statement, the team said, "The Patriots were made aware at the time of the incident and informed the NFL in a timely manner. The matter remains part of an ongoing legal process. We will respect that process, continue to monitor the situation closely, as we have over the past few months, and cooperate fully with the league."
Second Patriots Player Accused
This accusation follows closely on the heels of another serious allegation involving a Patriots teammate. Just one day prior, it was revealed that wide receiver Stefon Diggs, 32, is facing charges of felony strangulation and misdemeanour assault related to a December 2 incident with a private chef.
The chef alleged Diggs smacked and tried to choke her during a dispute over unpaid money. Diggs' arraignment is set for January 23. His attorney, also David Meier, stated Diggs "categorically denies" the allegations, calling them "unsubstantiated, uncorroborated, and were never investigated—because they did not occur."
The Patriots issued a separate statement regarding Diggs, saying they support the player and will continue to gather information while cooperating with authorities and the NFL.
