Stefon Diggs and Christian Barmore spoke publicly for the first time Friday since assault charges were filed against them in separate incidents.
The athletes addressed reporters inside the locker room while making it clear they would not discuss the ongoing legal matters.
The two New England Patriots players faced the group of media members as the team prepares for its regular-season finale against the Miami Dolphins.
Diggs spoke first, opening his remarks by acknowledging his situation and apologizing for not being available to reporters earlier in the week.
“It’s definitely an open case, so I can’t even say anything about it,” Diggs said, describing the moment as a “very emotional time” and adding that he had been “taken back by some things that’s been going on.”
While declining to address the allegations, Diggs stressed that he was willing to answer any football-related questions as New England prepares for Sunday’s game. When reporters veered toward legal topics, Diggs pushed back, repeatedly asking whether the questions were about football before responding.
Diggs is facing a felony charge of strangulation or suffocation and a misdemeanor charge of assault and battery stemming from an alleged incident on Dec. 2. According to a police report, a woman told authorities that Diggs entered her unlocked bedroom and struck her during a dispute over money she said she was owed while working as his private chef.
Defensive tackle Christian Barmore took a more blunt approach during his exchange with reporters. In his first public comments since being charged with misdemeanor assault and battery on a household or family member related to an alleged August incident, Barmore repeatedly deflected questions.
“I’m focused on Miami and playing football,” Barmore said, offering the same response, or slight variations of it, to nearly every inquiry.
Charging documents allege that Barmore threw a woman to the floor and grabbed her by the shirt “in the area of the neck” during an argument. Both players are represented by attorney David Meier, who has released statements denying the allegations on their behalf.
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel addressed the situation earlier in the week, saying the organization has taken the accusations “very seriously.”
“I don’t think we have to jump to any sort of conclusions right now,” Vrabel said at the time, adding that the team intends to allow the legal process to play out before making further decisions.
In a statement, the Patriots said Diggs “informed the organization that he categorically denies the allegations,” adding, “We support Stefon.”
Both players are expected to be available for Sunday’s game. Diggs, who leads the team with 82 receptions for 970 yards, said he remains locked in despite the circumstances.
Diggs is scheduled to be arraigned on Jan. 23, while Barmore’s arraignment is set for Feb. 3.