As the New England Patriots prepare to face the Miami Dolphins in their regular-season finale, the focus around the team has shifted fast. First, assault allegations against wide receiver Stefon Diggs took away the spotlight. After hours, news broke that the team’s defensive tackle, Christian Barmore, is facing a domestic assault charge.

According to the Attleboro (Massachusetts) District Court, the charge stems from an incident that allegedly took place on August 8 and was filed on December 16.

The Patriots have released a statement, but have not mentioned whether the player will be on the field on Sunday.

“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 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. We will have no further comment at this time.”

According to reports, the player has been accused of assaulting Sloan Smith-Jurdsky, the mother of his child.

She told the authorities that Barmore physically assaulted her at their apartment in front of their two-year-old daughter. Barmore was agitated because the air conditioner was set too high a temperature. He later took her phone and threw her down to the floor, per the complaint.

Smith-Jurdsky also produced a photo of bruises, which she said were a result of Barmore’s alleged assault. She was said to be seven weeks pregnant at the time she made the complaint and also told the police that Barmore threatened to “have his family members beat her up.”

Christian Barmore is scheduled to be arraigned on February 3, 2026, at Attleborough District Court. That will be just days before the Super Bowl.

Christian Barmore’s attorney, David Meier, shares a statement

“We are confident that the evidence will demonstrate that no criminal conduct took place,” Barmore’s attorney said in a statement. “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.”

Regardless, the charge against Barmore comes just a day after fellow teammate Stefon Diggs was found to be facing a felony charge of strangulation and a misdemeanor charge of assault from an alleged incident that took place on December 2. The Patriots are aware of the charges against both their players.

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The police narrative in Diggs’ case alleged that the player hit his private chef after an argument about money. The woman, who is identified as Mila Adams, went to the Dedham Police Department on December 16. He alleged that he also tried to choke her with the crook of his elbow.

Attorney David Meier will represent both Diggs and Barmore

Meier, who represents Barmore and Diggs, has issued denials on behalf of both clients.

“The timing and motivation for making the allegations is crystal clear: they are the direct result of an employee-employer financial dispute that was not resolved to the employee’s satisfaction,” Meier mentioned in a statement regarding the allegations against Diggs.

He also mentioned that Diggs “categorically denies these allegations,” calling them “unsubstantiated, uncorroborated”.

Diggs is scheduled to be arraigned on January 23.

As for Barmore, the victim also alleged that he grabbed her by the shirt “in the area of the neck” as she tried to get up from the floor, but he eventually let her go. Meier’s statement, representing Barmore, denied it ever took place.

The NFL is aware of the accusations against Diggs and Barmore

As of now, these allegations will not impact their ability to play for the Patriots.

“There is no change to the status of Diggs or Barmore. Both are eligible to play at this time,” an NFL spokesperson told MassLive. “Pursuant to the Personal Conduct Policy, consideration for placement on the Commissioner Exempt List may be considered following formal charges in the form of an indictment by a grand jury, the filing of charges by a prosecutor, or an arraignment in a criminal court.”

Head coach Mike Vrabel told reporters that Barmore was not with the team on Wednesday due to an illness. However, he expects both to be available on Sunday against the Dolphins.

“I haven’t heard anything that would keep either player from the game,” Vrabel revealed.