Stefon Diggs

faces charges

BOSTON (AP) — New England Patriots star wide receiver Stefon Diggs is facing strangulation and other criminal charges in connection with a dispute with his former private chef.

News of the charges emerged after a court hearing Tuesday in Dedham, Massachusetts. Diggs’ lawyer said in an emailed statement that Diggs “categorically denies these allegations.”

According to police, the chef told investigators that Diggs hit her and tried to choke her during a discussion about money. The 32-year-old NFL veteran joined New England this season after a trade from Houston.

Diggs has been a standout player for the Patriots this season, helping his team clinch the AFC East title.

NCAA tries to

clarify stance

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The NCAA says it won’t grant eligibility to any player who had signed an NBA contract after Baylor’s midseason addition of a 2023 draft pick who had been playing professionally in Europe prompted criticism from coaches across college basketball.

The Bears recently signed 7-footer James Nnaji of Nigeria. He was drafted by Detroit before a series of trades that left the 21-year-old’s draft rights with the New York Knicks. The NCAA says players also aren’t eligible if they sign two-way NBA contracts with links to G League affiliates. G League players without NBA contracts have been eligible.

International players with varying backgrounds have played college basketball for years.

Arsenal clinches

Premier League

(AP) — Arsenal ensures it will end the year top of the Premier League after beating Aston Villa 4-1 at home in a powerful statement win with all goals scored in the second half. The victory was even more impressive considering Arsenal was missing key midfielder Declan Rice with a knee injury and Villa was playing on the back of 11 straight victories in all competitions.

Arsenal’s fourth goal was scored by substitute Gabriel Jesus one minute after coming on to highlight the depth of coach Mikel Arteta’s bench. The win moved Arsenal five points ahead of Manchester City and six clear of third-place Villa. Chelsea drew 2-2 at home to Bournemouth.

Manchester United was held 1-1 at home to rock-bottom Wolverhampton.

Cowboys waive

Trevon Diggs

FRISCO, Texas (AP) — The Cowboys have waived cornerback Trevon Diggs. The move ends a tumultuous final season a game early in a Dallas career that never lived up to the promise of a 2021 All-Pro performance that included 11 interceptions.

The move came five days before Dallas’ season finale Sunday at the New York Giants. Diggs will be a free agent after clearing waivers. Diggs missed eight games after sustaining a concussion in an accident at home.

The team said Diggs’ delayed return was more about issues with the 27-year-old’s knees.