-
Mike Reiss
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — New England Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore is facing a misdemeanor charge of assault and battery on a household/family member, according to court documents.
The charge stems from an alleged incident on Aug. 8 and was filed Dec. 16, according to the Attleboro (Massachusetts) District Court. An arraignment is scheduled for Feb. 3.
In a statement Wednesday, the Patriots said they “were made aware at the time of the incident and informed the NFL in a timely manner.”
“The matter remains part of an ongoing legal process,” the team said. “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.”
According to charging documents obtained by ABC, a woman who had been in a relationship with Barmore alleged that he became angry with her about the air conditioning temperature in his bedroom and that they also had argued over food. The woman told police that Barmore grabbed her phone from her hands while she was trying to leave the house, according to court documents.
The charging documents stated that the woman “intended to open the door and scream for help but Christian grabbed her before she could and threw her to the floor.” She said Barmore grabbed her by the shirt “in the area of the neck” as she tried to get up but eventually let her go.
“We are confident that the evidence will demonstrate that no criminal conduct took place,” Barmore’s attorney, David Meier, 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.”
Barmore, 26, is in his fifth year with the Patriots, who conclude their regular season Sunday at home against the Miami Dolphins. New England has already qualified for the playoffs, which culminate with Super Bowl LX on Feb. 8.
Patriots coach Mike Vrabel told reporters that Barmore was not with the team Wednesday due to an illness.
The charge against Barmore comes one day after Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs was found to be facing a felony charge of strangulation and a misdemeanor charge of assault from an alleged incident Dec. 2.
As part of a statement regarding the charges against Diggs, the Patriots said Tuesday: “Stefon has informed the organization that he categorically denies the allegations. We support Stefon.”
Both Diggs and Barmore are being represented by attorney David Meier, who has not commented on the charge against the defensive tackle.
Barmore, a second-round draft pick out of Alabama in 2021, has played in all 16 games this season with 15 starts. He is third on the team with 10 quarterback hits and has totaled 26 tackles and one sack.
Both incidents are under review of the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy, with both players eligible to play at this time as there has been no change to their status. 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.