Vrabel says Patriots focused on football as players face charges

New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel said Wednesday the team remains focused on football as a second player now faces criminal charges.Defensive tackle Christian Barmore is accused of misdemeanor domestic assault involving his former girlfriend.The charges were revealed a day after charges against wide receiver Stefon Diggs became public. Diggs is accused of assaulting and strangling a private chef earlier this year.Vrabel said he and the team are allowing the legal process to play out. “There are things we have to handle,” Vrabel said. “Every day, there are distractions. Some are smaller than others.”Barmore is accused of throwing his girlfriend to the floor earlier this year in front of their child. His attorney, David Meier, said he is confident the evidence will show no criminal conduct took place, and he expects “that this personal matter will be resolved in the near future.” On Tuesday, a felony strangulation charge against Diggs became public. According to court paperwork, Diggs’ personal chef claims he put her in a chokehold following a dispute over pay.Meier, who also represents Diggs, said his client “categorically denies these allegations,” calling them unsubstantiated and uncorroborated. >> Download the free WMUR app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play <<“We will focus on the Dolphins, and those two individuals that you mentioned will be able to handle the ongoing legal process,” Vrabel said.Vrabel said the organization is taking the allegations seriously, cooperating with investigators and following NFL policy. He emphasized the charges are allegations and said the team isn’t jumping to conclusions.”We understand that there are allegations, but we also want to support each and every player, each and every coach, each and every staff member,” Vrabel said.Vrabel said he hasn’t spoken to the NFL and has not heard of any plans at this time to keep the two players on the bench.”Let the ongoing court process take its course,” Vrabel said. “I’m going to focus on the Dolphins, focus on coaching this football team and the guys that are healthy enough to be there.” Quarterback Drake Maye echoed that sentiment as the Patriots prepare to close out the regular season.”The best thing coach Vrabel always says is let those guys speak for themselves. I’m going to support them anyway I can, support my teammates, I love those guys,” Maye said. “Whatever they need from me, I’m here for them.”If New England beats Miami and Denver loses to the Chargers, the Patriots would clinch the No. 1 seed in the playoffs. >> Subscribe to WMUR’s YouTube channel <<

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. —

New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel said Wednesday the team remains focused on football as a second player now faces criminal charges.

Defensive tackle Christian Barmore is accused of misdemeanor domestic assault involving his former girlfriend.

The charges were revealed a day after charges against wide receiver Stefon Diggs became public. Diggs is accused of assaulting and strangling a private chef earlier this year.

Vrabel said he and the team are allowing the legal process to play out.

“There are things we have to handle,” Vrabel said. “Every day, there are distractions. Some are smaller than others.”

Barmore is accused of throwing his girlfriend to the floor earlier this year in front of their child.

His attorney, David Meier, said he is confident the evidence will show no criminal conduct took place, and he expects “that this personal matter will be resolved in the near future.”

On Tuesday, a felony strangulation charge against Diggs became public. According to court paperwork, Diggs’ personal chef claims he put her in a chokehold following a dispute over pay.

Meier, who also represents Diggs, said his client “categorically denies these allegations,” calling them unsubstantiated and uncorroborated.

>> Download the free WMUR app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play <<

“We will focus on the Dolphins, and those two individuals that you mentioned will be able to handle the ongoing legal process,” Vrabel said.

Vrabel said the organization is taking the allegations seriously, cooperating with investigators and following NFL policy.

He emphasized the charges are allegations and said the team isn’t jumping to conclusions.

“We understand that there are allegations, but we also want to support each and every player, each and every coach, each and every staff member,” Vrabel said.

Vrabel said he hasn’t spoken to the NFL and has not heard of any plans at this time to keep the two players on the bench.

“Let the ongoing court process take its course,” Vrabel said. “I’m going to focus on the Dolphins, focus on coaching this football team and the guys that are healthy enough to be there.”

Quarterback Drake Maye echoed that sentiment as the Patriots prepare to close out the regular season.

“The best thing coach Vrabel always says is let those guys speak for themselves. I’m going to support them anyway I can, support my teammates, I love those guys,” Maye said. “Whatever they need from me, I’m here for them.”

If New England beats Miami and Denver loses to the Chargers, the Patriots would clinch the No. 1 seed in the playoffs.

>> Subscribe to WMUR’s YouTube channel <<