Patriots defensive lineman Christian Barmore accused of domestic assault

The news comes just a day after it became public that the team's star wide receiver, Stefon Diggs, is being accused of strangling and assaulting his personal chef.

New England Patriots defensive lineman Christian Barmore is facing a domestic assault charge, just a day after news broke that the team's star wide receiver, Stefon Diggs, is being accused of strangling and assaulting his personal chef.

The back-to-back blast of bad news comes as the Patriots prepare to close out their season against the Miami Dolphins in Foxboro on Sunday ahead of their first playoff appearance since 2021. Head coach Mike Vrabel answered questions about both situations at his weekly media update. He also noted that Barmore is was away for illness and would not be at practice.

Barmore, 26, is charged with one count of assault and battery on a family/household member, according to Attleborough District Court documents. The charge reportedly stems from an incident that occurred on Aug. 8 in Mansfield.

The Patriots issued a statement Wednesday about the charges Barmore is facing: "The New England Patriots are aware of reports regarding a pending February arraignment involving Christian Barmore, which stems from an alleged domestic incident that occurred in August. The Patriots were made aware at the time 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. We will have no further comment at this time."

According to court documents, a woman who had been in a dating relationship with Barmore for 3 1/2 years and has a child with him said they got into an argument about air conditioning and the following day, he grabbed her and threw her to the floor. The woman said she was afraid of Barmore retaliating and later filed for a restraining order. The woman said she was pregnant with Barmore's child but did not want any more ties to him.

Barmore is considered one of the Patriots' best defensive players. He has played in all 16 games this season and has 12 solo tackles and one sack. He missed most of the 2024 season due to blood clots.