Stefon Diggs' attorneys warn athletes face 'opportunistic targeting' after not guilty verdict in court

Former felony prosecutor Andrew Lewis assesses the ‘very serious’ assault allegations facing two New England Patriots players on ‘Fox News Live.’

After Stefon Diggs emerged from a criminal court in Dedham, Massachusetts, late Tuesday afternoon, not guilty of onerous felony strangulation and assault and battery charges, it should have expunged a six-month saga in which he looked quite bad in the court of public opinion.

But, of course, it's not that simple.

Because some people who saw the initial allegations in blaring headlines, or charges filed, and a trial looming, might have missed the most important thing: The not guilty verdict.

So the former may stick in minds while the latter is marginalized.

STEFON DIGGS FELONY STRANGULATION TRIAL BEGINS WITH NFL RECEIVER DENYING EVERYTHING

Former New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs listens to his defense attorney cross-examine a witness during his trial at Norfolk County District Court in Dedham, Mass., on May 5, 2026. (Charles Krupa/AP)

Diggs knows this. His representation knows this. And they are left victorious at trial but still stinging from the episode.

"We have taken these allegations seriously from Day One and that’s exactly why we were eager for the facts to come to light through the legal process," Mitch Schuster of Meister, Seelig & Schuster, the firm that represented Diggs throughout his ordeal said in a statement provided to Fox News Digital.

"Fame and financial success shouldn't strip someone of their presumption of innocence, but too often, it does exactly that. And unfortunately, as is the case with unfounded claims -- the damage starts the moment an accusation is filed, long before any facts are examined.

"Professional athletes have a target on