Stefon Diggs’ Boat Trip: A Stormy Start to His Patriots Tenure

The New England Patriots’ acquisition of star wide receiver Stefon Diggs this offseason was met with considerable excitement, seen as a crucial step in revitalizing their offense. However, Diggs’ initial months with the team have taken an unexpected turn, dominated by a viral video from a boat trip that has ignited controversy and raised questions about his off-field conduct and commitment to his new team.

The Viral Video:

Over the Memorial Day weekend (May 26, 2025), videos surfaced on social media depicting Diggs on a yacht in Miami, surrounded by several women. While enjoying the festivities, Diggs is seen in one clip producing a small bag containing a pink, crystalline substance. He appears to show it to the women and caution them before seemingly handing it over.

The ambiguity of the substance in the video immediately sparked widespread speculation online. Some fans and commentators questioned its nature, with unconfirmed theories ranging from recreational drugs like “pink cocaine” or “tusi” (a mix of ketamine, MDMA, and other substances) to something entirely innocuous.

Adding another layer to the situation was the presence of Grammy-winning rapper Cardi B on what appeared to be the same boat trip. Diggs and Cardi B have been romantically linked in recent months, and their appearance together further amplified the attention surrounding the video. Other clips from the boat showed Diggs interacting closely with the women, some of whom could be heard calling him “daddy,” leading to further speculation about the nature of his relationships.

Patriots’ and NFL Response:

The video quickly reached the New England Patriots organization. Head coach Mike Vrabel addressed the media on Wednesday, May 28th, acknowledging the team’s awareness of the situation. While he declined to delve into specifics or confirm if he had spoken directly with Diggs about the video, Vrabel stated:

“It’s something that we’re aware of. Obviously, we want to make great decisions on and off the field. The message will be the same for all our players, that we’re trying to make great decisions. Any conversations that I’ve had with Stefon will remain between him, I and the club.”

Vrabel’s measured response indicated that the team is taking the matter seriously but intends to handle it internally. Diggs was notably absent from the Patriots’ voluntary Organized Team Activities (OTAs) session that was open to the media on Wednesday. While OTAs are voluntary, his absence so soon after the video surfaced raised eyebrows about his focus and commitment to the team, especially as he continues to recover from a torn ACL sustained last season with the Houston Texans.

An NFL spokesman told the Associated Press that the league would not be commenting on the video. Diggs’ agents have also remained silent on the issue.

Backlash and Concerns:

The viral video has generated significant backlash from fans and analysts:

• Off-Field Conduct: The primary concern revolves around the potential implications of the video on Diggs’ off-field behavior and whether it aligns with the standards expected of a high-profile player, especially one the Patriots have invested heavily in.
• Distraction: The controversy has undoubtedly become a distraction for the Patriots organization as they prepare for the upcoming season. Vrabel, known for his disciplined approach, now faces the challenge of addressing this issue while trying to build team cohesion.
• Reputation: The incident has the potential to tarnish the reputation of both Diggs and the Patriots, a franchise that has historically prided itself on a culture of discipline and professionalism.
• Commitment: Diggs’ absence from the voluntary OTAs following the video has led some to question his early commitment to the team, especially considering he is still recovering from a significant injury. The Patriots are relying on him to be a key leader and offensive weapon.
• Relationship with Cardi B: The presence of Cardi B on the boat and the nature of Diggs’ interactions with other women have also fueled speculation about their relationship, although neither has publicly commented on the matter.

Context and Future Implications:

This controversy marks an inauspicious start to Stefon Diggs’ tenure in New England. The Patriots, who haven’t had a 1,000-yard receiver since Julian Edelman in 2019, are counting on Diggs to be their primary offensive threat and a mentor for young quarterback Drake Maye.

Diggs has a history of on-field excellence, with six consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons before his injury. However, he also has a reputation for being outspoken and, at times, creating friction with his previous teams in Buffalo and Houston. The Patriots were hoping that a fresh start in a new environment would bring stability and leadership to their receiving corps.

How the Patriots handle this situation internally will be crucial. They need to address the concerns raised by the video while also supporting Diggs in his recovery and integration into the team. The coming weeks and months, leading up to training camp in July, will be critical in determining the long-term impact of this boat trip controversy on Diggs’ career in New England and the Patriots’ season aspirations.

For now, the “Stefon Diggs boat” has become a symbol of the unexpected challenges and scrutiny that can accompany high-profile athletes, even before they step onto the field for their new teams. The football world waits to see how this situation unfolds and whether Diggs can navigate this early storm to become the impactful player the Patriots are hoping for.