Ian Rapoport joined Pat McAfee to weigh in on what comes next for Stefon Diggs after a jury found the veteran wide receiver not guilty of assault. With the criminal case resolved in Diggs’ favor, Rapoport said the immediate legal obstacle that had hovered over the player’s status is gone, but several practical and procedural steps remain before Diggs can fully put the episode behind him.
Rapoport emphasized that a not guilty verdict removes the most consequential external barrier for the player. From a day-to-day perspective, that means Diggs is no longer facing court-ordered restrictions tied to an unresolved criminal matter and can focus on football activities and team responsibilities. Rapoport noted that teams, coaches and the player himself typically shift attention quickly back to preparation for the season, training and on-field performance once legal proceedings conclude.
That said, Rapoport also pointed out that the conclusion of a criminal case does not automatically end all review. The NFL maintains its own personal conduct policy and has previously conducted independent reviews of player behavior even after criminal charges are dropped or a defendant is acquitted. Rapoport said it is common for the league to assess the facts of an incident and determine whether any discipline or additional action is warranted under its internal standards. Any such process would be separate from the criminal case and based on the league’s policy and investigative findings.
On the team level, Rapoport suggested coaches and front-office personnel will evaluate how best to reintegrate the player into practice and game plans. That can include formal discussions about expectations, media preparation, and possible community outreach or public relations steps to address public concerns. If Diggs remains under contract, the team will also weigh his on-field value, leadership roles and fit within the roster heading into offseason work and training camp.
Rapoport added that much of Diggs’ near-term future will be driven by performance and professionalism. For a high-profile starter, the pathway back typically follows familiar lines: returning to team activities, completing any internal or league-mandated processes, and letting film and practice availability dictate playing time. Public perception and locker-room dynamics can factor into those decisions, but teams generally prioritize players who contribute consistently on the field.
In short, Rapoport told McAfee that the not guilty verdict clears the major legal hurdle, but it does not necessarily end scrutiny from the league or other stakeholders. The coming weeks are likely to include league communication, team meetings and a focus on readiness for the upcoming season as all parties move forward.
