Stefon Diggs, the star receiver of the Patriots, is in the eye of the hurricane. A viral video on a yacht, allegedly passing a “pink substance”, and their very public relationship with Cardi B, they have fans asking for an NFL investigation. Simple fun of famous or behavior that could cost him expensive?
The grass of Gillette Stadium may not be the only slippery terrain for Stefon Diggs this season. The new star receiver of the New England Patriots, known for their spectacular receptions, now faces a media interception of epic proportions. A video that has gone viral, showing Diggs on a yacht in full party, supposedly manipulating and passing a mysterious “pink substance” to women in bikini, has lit the alarms and fury of fans. If we add to this his publicized relationship with the no less controversial Rapper Cardi B, we have the perfect recipe for a scandal that could have serious implications for his career and for the image of the NFL. Fans cry for an investigation, and the question floats in the air: is this a simple celebrity mischief or behavior that could activate the strict protocols of the league?
The video of discord: »Pink cocaine» or misunderstanding millionaire?
The images are, at least, suggestive. In the video, which has run as a gunpowder on social networks, an exultant Stefon Diggs is seen, dancing and enjoying in a luxurious yacht, surrounded by women in bikini. The peak, and the most controversial moment is when it seems to pass a bag that contains a pink substance. Speculation was swift, and the term “Pink Cocaine” (pink cocaine) began to flood the comments of outraged and curious fans. “Oh, ‘Pink cocaine’, I see!”, Exclaimed one user, while another sentenced: “The league should investigate it!”
Before the gale, Diggs has opted for hermetic silence, hiding in its right to privacy. “I have a kind of rule that I do not talk about my personal life with people I don’t know personally,” said the player. While his position is understandable from a personal point of view, in the world of entertainment and elite sport, “no comments” is often equivalent to making more firewood on the fire of gossip. Ambiguity about the nature of “pink substance” is precisely what feeds the controversy and allows the imagination of the public to vuele, for better or worse.
Cardi B in the equation: Advertising relationship or true love under fire?
The presence, although not physical in the video of the yacht, of cardi b in the life of Stefon Diggs is a factor that magnifies the scandal. The couple has been seen in multiple high profile events, from the MET Gala to NBA playoff matches, consolidating an image of “Power Couple” that attracts both admiration and criticism. For some, rapper could be a “bad influence,” while others defend their right to live their relationship without judgments. The undeniable thing is that the association with a figure as media and polarizing as Cardi B – the same does not alien to the controversies – intensifies the scrutiny about each DIGGS movement. Is it a genuine love that faces the storm, or is there also a component of mutual advertising in this union? Be that as it may, the “Diggs brand” and the “cardi b brand” are now indissolubly linked, and this incident tests the solidity of its joint image.
The NFL and its behavior policy: simple fine or imminent suspension?
This is where the gossip runs into the harsh contractual and disciplinary reality. The NFL is notoriously strict with the behavior of its players, inside and outside the field. Its personal behavior policy is broad and punishes any “harmful behavior for integrity and public trust in the National Football League.” It is crucial to highlight that a criminal conviction is not required for the league to impose sanctions. Although the NFL, so far, has kept official silence about the Diggs video, the New England Patriots and their coach, Mike Vrabel, have assured that the matter will be handled “internally”, a phrase that in the sports slang usually anticipates some kind of measure.
To more complicate the Diggs panorama, its contract with the Patriots includes a specific clause that prohibits it from participating in NFL, Scott Zolak, resonate with particular ominesity:
«It’s not just the ship. There are some other things that I have heard that they put some things in doubt. Are you fully involved?
These statements suggest that there could be more than what is seen with the naked eye, feeding uncertainty about the immediate future of Diggs.
»Distraction» or «motivation»? The impact on the Patriots and the future of Diggs
This scandal could not arrive at a time more delicate for Stefon Diggs. Just arrived at the Patriots with a millionaire contract and high expectations, and in full rehabilitation process of an anterior cross ligament injury (ACL), this incident is an unwanted distraction. The owner of the Patriots, Robert Kraft, had expressed his enthusiasm for having a Diggs caliber receiver, highlighting his potential to help the young Quartback Drake Maye. Now, that emotion is tarnished by the controversy.
Diggs, meanwhile, claims to be focused on his recovery and have a star season. But the question is inevitable: how will this media whirlwind, his chemistry with the team and his relationship with the demanding fans of New England? Is this a Bochorous preseason anecdote, quickly forgotten with TouchDowns and Victorias? Or will it mark the beginning of a worrying pattern that could derail its promising stage with the Patriots? Only time, and perhaps the decisions of the NFL will say it.
Related
